Introduction and contents page . JASA was founded in July 1989 to bring together admirers of Jane Austen in this part of the world. We are a serious but not stuffy group, and scholars, enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals gather on equal terms to study and celebrate the genius of Jane Austen. We are interested in Jane's life, her writings and the era that gave shape to them both. Jane Austen's interests were unlimited, and so are ours.
Members meet every two months, and conferences and workshops are held at regular intervals.
Jane's birthday is celebrated in December with a party. JASA produces a twice yearly publication Sensibilities which is sent to all members. This journal includes transcripts of presentations at the bimonthly meetings,and other items of interest to members. It has been praised for its high literary standards. The Society was founded in 1940 with the purpose of securing the cottage in Chawton, Hampshire, where Jane Austen lived from 1809 until her death in 1817.