Jane Austen’s enduring legacy is a bit like a lace doily: a frilly decoration that covered over the grime of real life in Regency-era Britain.

But it turns out Austen was much less mild and more wild than public perception — or her family — ever let on.

In this episode we’re joined by Devoney Looser, Regents Professor of English at Arizona State University and one of the world’s most prominent Austen scholars. Her latest book, Wild for Austen, explores how much sharper, funnier and more rebellious the author really was.

Get Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane, from St. Martin’s Press: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250361332/wildforausten/

Explore Devoney’s other books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/285160.Devoney_Looser

More from Devoney:

Subscribe to her Substack: https://devoney.substack.com/

Visit her online: https://www.devoneylooser.com/

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Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot by Alexander Chapin

Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Research and editorial support from Mikala Kass

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Disclosure:

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.