A six-week course looking at each of the revered writer’s novels in turn.

Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest humourist writers in British culture if not indeed one of the finest writers to ever pick up a quill.

One of the sharpest satirical commentators of all time, her novels remain as a sardonic critique of the landed gentry in Regency England. Having written such great novels while barely emerging into adulthood and with such a limited life, it astounds many learned minds that she could have had so much wisdom for the task at all.

Six weeks, six novels. Whether you are a fully paid-up member of Austen’s fan fiction or simply want to the understand more of why she remains so popular, come join this rollicking ride through one of the greatest writers, one of the writers most frequently adapted to the screen, one of the most agile, perspicacious and witty writers you are ever likely to read.

No prior knowledge is required – not even the possession of an Empire-waist dress or a cheese-cloth shirt!

This course is led by Bee Huntley, teacher of English at Surbiton High School since the beginning of this century, and our universally acknowledged doyenne of literature. She is affectionately known in the department as The Oracle. Her admiration of Jane Austen is unbridled and (mostly) objective. In addition to teaching English and mentoring Literature students with aspirations for Oxbridge, Bee runs Lit Soc, SHS’s literary society - still going strong after 13 years.