Devoney Looser, Professor of English at ASU, News and Events - Devoney Looser

Two Pieces of News

10/24/2019

There are two updates I'm excited to share: the book I'm working on and the one that's just come out. My work on the biography of Jane and Anna Maria Porter, tentatively titled Sister Novelists, is moving forward, and the book has found a home. It was sold at auction to Bloomsbury, where my editor is the amazing Grace McNamee, a former undergraduate student of mine from the University of Missouri. Sister Novelists is on schedule for a fall 2021 release, with the brilliant Grace's help. Publishers Weekly announced the deal alongside Jimmy Kimmel's upcoming children's book. He's an author with a book deal. I'm an author with a book deal. So far we are equal.

I haven't left Jane Austen behind, of course! This month, my new book from the University of Chicago Press dropped: T he Daily Jane Austen: A Year of Quotes. I'd love to get this book in the right readers' hands—both those new to Austen and those who can't get enough of her, daily. If you want me to send you a signed book plate to put in your copy of the book, I'd welcome the chance to do it. Just drop me a line. Make sure to take your daily recommended dose!

Woo hoo! Celebrating a Victory

7/10/2019

So glad to add my voice to those celebrating the USWNT win with this essay, "Oos-Oos-Oos-ah!" or "Joy in US Womens' Football," in the July 12th TLS.

Jane West and Jane Austen: Emma SMackdown?

5/31/2019

Think Jane Austen was in her "dark ages" in the 1820s, in the first decade after she died? It wasn't quite that stark. I've just published a piece in Essays in Romanticism describing how one novelist, Jane West, reimagined Austen's Emma in her novel Ringrove (1827). Did West admire Emma or did she disapprove? Some of the changes West made to Austen's plot suggest she wanted to write a different story about gender, class, and privilege, especially when it came to farmer-suitors. Is West's Emma Herbert a fictional response to Austen's Emma Woodhouse? I think so. Let me know what you think!

"Teaching Jane Austen to Sex Offenders"

3/9/2019

My essay, "Teaching Jane Austen to Sex Offenders," appeared in Salon. It means a lot to me that this piece makes its way to readers, although I know not all will respond in the same way. The issues raised are important to me, and I think, to all of us #EducationForAll

First Impressions Podcast Review of The Making of Jane Austen

2/25/2019

I am so totally bowled over by this generous First Impressions Podcast review of The Making of Jane Austen. Co-host Kristin and Maggie's serious engagement and sense of humor with this book mean so much. This is a case of the book finding its right, best readers. Thank you!

Penguin Deluxe Classics Sense and Sensibility published

2/10/2019

It is not everyone who has my passion for opening a cardboard box full of books! Thanks for virtually celebrating with me the arrival of the just-released Penguin Classics Deluxe edition of Austen's Sense and Sensibility, with gorgeous cover art by Dadu Shin, and contextual essays on Inheritance, Sisters, Letter Writing, Gossip, Seduction, Illness, and Pop Culture by me.

"Descending from Jane Austen"

1/27/2019

My review/essay, "Pride and Precariousness," is in the Jan. 25th issue of the TLS, along with Reddit, London's private clubs, gender and gamers, and free speech. Sure, these things blend! . . This time my piece is behind a paywall. It could be the right time for you to to subscribe, if you don't, because that's a fabulous thing to do, if you're able to afford it. Other motivated readers without deep pockets could email me . . .

In Next Week's TLS

1/21/2019

I'm excited to report that I have a piece, "The Flourishing of 'Brand Austen,'" in next week's TLS (25 Jan 2019).

The Making of Jane Austen at ASU Book Club

1/18/2019

Join me at ASU in Tempe? I'll be talking to the ASU Book Club on Wednesday, January 30th at noon about my book, The Making of Jane Austen. The book group is open to all in the ASU community and meets monthly from noon–1 p.m. in the Piper Writers House on ASU's Tempe campus. A no-host luncheon follows at the University Club. Looking forward to seeing you there to talk Austen.

Piece on Austen and Christmas in LitHub

12/18/2018

I've got a new piece out on LitHub on Austen and Christmas. I think it contains humor. Your results may vary. . . . Either way, if you're not on LitHub's daily digest, you'll want to join. The digest curates must-see literary content on the web, not just its own essays, and I always find something there that I want to read. I'm happy to be a part of the festivities this week.