LITERARY lovers are being invited to dress up in frilly caps and empire-line frocks by joining a new society dedicated to the works of Jane Austen.

But the man behind the idea – Oxford folk and blues musician Frank Underwood – says dressing up is strictly optional.

He said: “I don’t want to put people off, but a lot of people have come to this woman through the movies and the costumes. We are trying to build up an idea of her as a person.

“Her life and times are important for understanding her books.”

He himself is planning to wear stockings, buckled shoes and Regency dress, at the Jane Austen Festival, held in Bath in September, which attracts hundreds of people from across the world.

Last year he met a man who had been persuaded by his girlfriend to wear the uniform of a dashing dragoon – and to learn to ride a charger.

He said: “I’m much more of a ballroom person. I like the stockings and the buckled shoes.”

He is keen to recruit more Oxford people who enjoy Austen’s books and are interested in Regency history.

He said: “The group will also appeal to those who want to make visits to Austen sites, to dress up in Regency finery, and to perform her music and dances.”

Few people know that Jane and her sister Cassandra went to school in Oxford for a few months in 1783.

It was run by their relation Mrs Ann Cawley, the widow of Ralph Cawley, a principal of Brasenose College.

He has bought a Regency-era piano from eBay and is searching for someone to tune it so the group can perform authentic concerts.

The group’s first major event, to which all new members were invited, was a Christmas soiree with music, dancing and food.

To find out more about future events call Mr Underwood on 01865 515295 or 07792 427088, or visit janeaustenproject.org