Jane Austen

Jane Austen was an English novelist known for six major novels about the English landed gentry, especially for their wit, social observation, and insight into women’s lives in the early 19th century.

Jane Austen was an English novelist known for six major novels about the English landed gentry. She is regarded as one of the most important authors in English literature.

What it is

Jane Austen (1775-1817) wrote six major novels focusing on the English landed gentry. Her works are known for wit, social observation, and insight into women's lives in early 19th-century England. Four novels were published during her lifetime; two appeared after her death.

Why it matters

Austen's novels became enduring classics of English literature, widely studied and adapted in film, television, and stage. Her reputation grew substantially after her death, and she is now recognized for critiquing social conventions and portraying the lives of women in Regency society.

Key details

Born in Steventon, Hampshire, Austen published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1815) during her lifetime. Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published posthumously in 1817-1818. She was not widely acknowledged as a writer while alive.