New Jane Austen Film

I posted this in a group called "I Love Jane Austen" then came across this group.

I like Jane, but am not so versed in her books that I recognised the name 'Two Inches of Ivory'.

What does it refer to?

Oh, by the way, here's my post about the film (I believe it will open in London well before we see it in the US)

"There's a new film coming out titled 'Being Jane' with Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen.

Have a look at the trailer..."

http://www.bvimovies.com/uk/becoming_jane/

On Jane Austen's birthday in 1816 she wrote to her nephew,
"What should I do with your strong, manly, spirited Sketches, full of Variety and Glow? -- How could I join them on to the little bit (two Inches wide) of Ivory on which I work with so fine a Brush, as produces little effect after much labour?"

It is possible that she was writing in jest, since she was also really enjoying her money-making capabilities at that time.

Thank you Doulton!

I found a very good explanation of this at the following web-site:

http://www.ansible.co.uk/cc/cc141.html

Scroll down to the part that is entitled "Culture Corner: Jane Austen's Lap-Top Wordprocessor"

Hi joy2bme,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your post! As this isn't a regular group I watch, I guess my question fell to the wayside.

Indeed, the article was very interesting though I still think it must've been very time consuming!

Thank you very much for your research and link! I've endeavored to read Ms. Austin as well as other classics LT has brought to the forefront of my TBR list!

Happy Reading!
Cate

Hello - I am new at LT; just started adding my books in fits and spurts over the last couple of weeks, but find myself sidetracked by interesting group talk.

Thank you, joy2bme. I was fascinated to learn about the two inches of ivory and wasn't satisfied until I could see a picture of it. If anyone else is interested to "see" one, google "ivory memorandum".

Bleuroses, thank you for mentioning "Becoming Jane" - can't wait for August!

eta: countrylife.key jane austen

Welcome to LT countrylife.....it's a great place to hang around!! I am also looking forward to seeing the film - I love costume dramas!

How interesting! Does a photo of this "word processor" exist anywhere? I'd like to see what it actually looks like.

EmmaWatson - Enter "ivory memorandum" in Google Images, and you will see several pictures.

Thanks, countrylife, I followed your suggestion and was able to see a few good pictures.

I just saw "Becoming Jane" film and its fantastic. I had to go straight out and buy it. Anne Hathaway is a wonderful actress in this film. She brings just the right amount of wit and sarcasm to the role.

I'm in the middle of my first Austen novel as well: Emma.