A Drink with the Idler | John Mullan on Why Jane Austen Matters
£7.50
Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to Professor John Mullan on Why Jane Austen Matters
Jane Austen is one of English literature’s most celebrated authors. She is also one of the most misunderstood.
Join us with John Mullan, Professor of English Literature at University College London, as we discuss the true brilliance of Austen’s writing.
Austen’s novels have been portrayed in countless modern adaptations as a series of genteel tea parties and dances. But these interpretations obscure what makes her one of the finest authors in the English canon.
The discussion between John and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask John your own questions.
We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and the event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.
This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.
Prof. John Mullan is Lord Northcliffe Professor of Modern English Literature at University College London and the author of What Matters in Jane Austen? (Bloomsbury, 2012). He has published widely on 18th- and 19th-century literature, including The Artful Dickens (Bloomsbury, 2020), and has edited Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Emma for Oxford World’s Classics. John is also a broadcaster and journalist, writing on contemporary fiction for the Guardian. He has taught Austen to university students for over three decades, and has lectured widely to lovers of her fiction in both the UK and the US.
Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.
Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.
Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.
Testimonials for A Drink with the Idler
Drinks with the Idler have kept me sane.
A fabulous Idler Drinks – thanks Tom, Victoria, Mark and idlers everywhere!
A simple heartfelt “thank you”: I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying Thursday evenings as part of the Idler community. Never has a subscription yielded such brain-nourishing pleasure.
Short yet so sweet, delightful and interesting… uplifting intelligent conversation. I feel so happy to have stumbled upon the Idler. I bow to you all☺️⭐️
A Drink with the Idler has turned out to be one of our lifelines! Such fun, wonderful commentary by you and the remarkable Mark, not to mention the delightful Victoria.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 20th November 2025
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Online via Zoom link
Cost: £7.50. Free for Idler members. SUBSCRIBE HERE (from £2.50/month)
How to join A Drink with the Idler: Non subscribers should register by clicking the BUY NOW button above. Subscribers can register by clicking the GET TICKETS button above.
Important
In order for the Idler to send you a link to this event you need to make sure you have signed up for the Idler newsletter here.
Idler Magazine and Idler Academy members will be sent a special registration link ahead of the event.
Latecomers may not be given access
