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Join a panel of experts on December 3 at 6.30pm as we celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen and discuss why her novels have endured the test of time.

Writing at her desk in a quiet Hampshire village, Jane Austen could probably never have imagined that two centuries on she’d be a global literary icon. 

But, over the last quarter of a century in particular, a growing interest and demand for all things Austen has seen numerous television and film adaptations - in settings as diverse as India to an American high school. There has been book continuations and re-imaginings, plays, musicals and significant critical re-appraisal. And that is not to mention the museums, tours, societies and festival, and of course merchandise, all celebrating the beloved author.

Now, as part of a year of celebration to mark 250 years since Austen’s birth, literary experts from the University of Worcester will come together to try to answer the question: what is her secret? why have her novels endured the test of time? And how do we explain our enduring fascination with this author and her six finished novels? 

On the panel is:

• Dr Sharon Young is the Course Leader for undergraduate English Literature at the University of Worcester. She specialises in 18th century literature.
• Professor Nicoleta CinpoeÅŸ is Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Worcester, and Director of its Early Modern Research Group.
• Dr Whitney Standlee is a former Senior Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Worcester.

Join us for an hour of discussion and debate, with time to then put your burning questions to the panel.