Jane Austen remains famous today for Pride and Prejudice and other novels in which she reflects on the life of the British land gentry at the end of the 18th century. Critics often say she did so at the expense of more meaningful commentary on the politics of the day. Not so, says the University of Central Missouri’s Sheryl Craig. In a presentation based on her book, Jane Austen and the State of the Nation, Craig explores Austen’s references to politics and political economics and concludes that the author was a liberal Tory who remained consistent in her political agenda throughout her career as a novelist. The event is co-presented by The Jane Austen Society of North America – Metropolitan Kansas City Region. Prior to the presentation, an informal tea will be held.