It is being called a win for both women and authors in
general. Late last month, the Bank of England confirmed its choice to grace the
10-note with the face of its beloved female novelist Jane Austen beginning
in 2017.
Along with Jane’s portrait, a drawing of her brother's home Godmersham park,
her writing desk and a picture of Elizabeth Bennet, the redesigned 10-pound
note will also include a quotation from Pride
and Prejudice’s Miss Bingley, saying, “I declare after all there is no
enjoyment like reading!”
“Jane Austen certainly merits a place in the select group of
historical figures to appear on our banknotes,” stated the bank’s
governor Mark Carney. “Her novels,” he continued, “have an enduring and
universal appeal, and she is recognized as one of the greatest writers in
English literature.”
In celebration of her 200 years defending the integrity of
the novel, Jane will bump Charles Darwin’s face, which has appeared since 2000,
from the bill. After the announcement to use Winston Churchill on the note in
2016 caused a general outcry, Jane’s face was instead selected.
Image from www.thejaneaustensocietyofireland.com
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