An Emotional History of Britain (w/ a Jane Austen bit)

I happened upon this great series called Ian Hislop's Emotional History of Britain. It's in three parts but, alas, only part one is on YouTube. Still, it's the part that covers Austen so, hurray!

Ian doesn't only touch on S&S, but also P&P, and Emma. And the curator of the Jane Austen House Museum has some great advice for ladies to follow when choosing who to give your heart to. (Hint: Knightley to Emma: "If I loved you less, I could say more."

Ian walks a bit through the house, which is lovely to see. There's a wonderful peace to this six minute section. I miss her house!

But don't just watch the Austen bit, watch the whole thing. It begins discussing how Brits used to be considered very emotional by other Europeans. And how a romantic sensibility was to be cultivated and prized, in the early to mid 1700s. Then he traces how the tide turned to the 'stiff upper lip'.

The part related to Austen is 42:43 - 48:36.  

(If you can't watch the video, there's a great summary of the segment, with pictures, over at Austenonly.)

Comments

[Isabella Gladd]

I watched the entire Emotional History of Britain and enjoyed it so much. What a fascinating look at how the British developed their stiff upper lips over time. Ian Hisplop made the topic entertaining and enlightening. Thank you for sharing the YouTube video.