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Scholarly Societies


The American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies is an interdisciplinary group dedicated to the advancement of scholarship in all aspects of the period, from the later seventeenth through the early nineteenth century. Established in 1969, ASECS advances study and research in the history of a time that has profoundly influenced our world. ASECS is a pioneer in interdisciplinary investigation, and it therefore welcomes as members those working in all areas of scholarly inquiry pertinent to eighteenth-century studies.


The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies promotes the study of all aspects of the global eighteenth century. BSECS is open to anyone interested in the ‘long’ eighteenth century. Its members are scholars, students and members of the general public from all over the world with a diverse range of interests in the history, literature, science, society and culture of the eighteenth century. The Society publishes the  four times each year, and organises a major conference every January.

Burney Society
The Burney Society honours Frances Burney d'Arblay (1752-1840), a woman who recorded everything from Johnsonian wit to George III's fits, from Evelina's entrance into the world to Napoleon's last stand. Her acute observations about her family, friends, and 18th-century society show us how much, and how little, life and literature have changed in two centuries. The purpose of the society is to promote the study and appreciation of Burney's works and of the life and times of her and her family.


Founded in 1971, the bilingual Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies publishes an academic journal,  and organizes an annual conference which draws international scholars from a variety of disciplines.


The Society was formed in 1975 as the Captain Cook Study Unit and changed its name to the Captain Cook Society in 2001. Membership is open to anyone interested in Captain James Cook, whether professionally or as a hobby. It has an international membership from countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. Members receive a free quarterly publication called Cook's Log, containing articles on aspects of James Cook's life and those associated with him.

The Enlightenment and Romanticism Network was established in Spring 2014 in the English Department at National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan to promote interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to Enlightenment and Romantic studies. As the only network of this nature in Taiwan, the EARN organises public lectures and reading seminars every semester and welcomes scholars and students from different disciplines to join. Dr. Shun-liang Chao, a member of EARN, is editor of the .


The International Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, founded with the initiative of Theodore Besterman, promotes the growth, development and coordination of studies and research relating to the eighteenth century in all aspects of its cultural heritage (historical, philosophical, ideological, religious, linguistic, literary, scientific, artistic, juridical) in all countries, without exception; the Society is non-profit-making and non-political.


The Jane Austen Society of the United Kingdom aims to foster the appreciation and study of the life, work and times of Jane Austen and the Austen family; to secure the preservation of the manuscripts, letters and memorabilia of Jane Austen and the Austen family; to continue a programme of scholarly publications concerning Jane Austen and the Austen family; and to support the work of the Jane Austen Memorial Trust in maintaining the .


The Jane Austen Society of Australia was founded in July 1989 to bring together admirers of Jane Austen in this part of the world. We are scholars, enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals, gathering on equal terms to study and celebrate the genius of Jane Austen. We are interested in Jane's life, her writings and the era that gave shape to them both.


The Jane Austen Society of North America is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writing. JASNA is a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers, with approximately 4,000 members and over 60 regional groups in the United States and Canada. Its members, who are of all ages and from diverse walks of life, share an enjoyment of Austen's fiction and the company of like-minded readers.

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