by Blonde Rose

Created on: November 23, 2007

I never thought I would like Jane Austen. I had looked upon her as a Victorian "Chick Lit." Romance author in the same vein as our modern day Mills and Boon or Harlequin writers, certainly not the kind of books I was interested in reading.

Then one Christmas I was given a copy of the movie "Pride and Prejudice" (the one staring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth). My initial thoughts were " why on earth did you get me this? It's so not me".

I put the movie into my machine and pressed play. As the story unfolded I was surprised to find that it was more interesting and entertaining than I thought it would be.

The main characters had a lot of depth and the other characters antics were just captivating enough to not distract from them.

Further to my surprise, the thing I enjoyed most about it was the dialogue. This is definitely a thinking person's movie. The conversations of the main players were very intellectual and strategic, even the small talk.

The intent of the conversation was mostly for the characters to explore each other's personalities in regard to investigating suitability for matrimony (or to field off unwanted suitors). It was a game of intrinsic wordplay laden with prudent forethought and observation, because in Jane Austen's day careful choice of partner was mandatory.

Once the wedding ring was on there was no going back, you were stuck together for life. Any belated change of mind resulted in disgrace and social persecution from society. You virtually had to live as a recluse to avoid hostility and gossip from the community especially if you were female.

This brings me to book author and self confessed Jane Austen fan Lauren Henderson, who is the author of a book called "Jane Austen's Guide to Dating".

I'd first seen the book when browsing through book catalogues and thought "what a frivolous title, there is no way that has any merit. How could "Old World" principles apply to the modern day?"

The little cartoon on the cover didn't help matters as it implied the contents were aimed at a very young female audience.

Then it went on sale and my curiosity got the better of me and I bought a copy.

Turns out I was wrong and that Lauren has discovered a revelation, you can apply old-fashioned values and morals to modern day dating. In fact the principles are also relevant to people already in relationships.

Lauren discusses different situations of dating in a light, mature way using Jane Austen scenarios, then she explains how the principles apply to the modern day. Her

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