In May, my daughter Clara and I had a lovely trip to New Zealand (and back again). We didn't have many days, but we satisfied our Lord of the Rings longings to see Hobbiton and the Wēta Studios. It was truly delightful, and we were particularly surprised to find Hobbiton so rural and uncommercialized. The landscape and widflowers were spectacular. So were the sheep. The Hobbit holes were just as expected: well-stocked larders, nice sturdy writing tables, plentiful cookbooks a

Thanks to our Jane Austen's Desk naval historian Sheila Johnson Kindred for sharing this lovely Christmas celebration!

The Mask Brigade was founded to Save Lives and Make a Difference! Using kits from the Mask Brigade, students can assemble masks which...