29 Interesting Facts about Jane Austen

Dan April 23, 2023

Jane Austen was an English novelist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. She was born in Steventon, Hampshire, in 1775 and began writing at an early age. Her most famous works include “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Emma,” all of which are still widely read and loved today.

Austen’s writing was known for its wit, irony, and social commentary. She often satirized the social conventions of her time, particularly in relation to marriage and the role of women in society. Her works were praised for their realism and accuracy in depicting the lives of the middle and upper classes in 18th and 19th century England.

Despite her success as a writer, Austen lived a relatively quiet and uneventful life. She never married and lived with her family for most of her life. She died at the age of 41 in 1817, leaving behind a legacy of great literature that continues to be celebrated and studied to this day.

Today, Austen’s works are celebrated for their timeless themes and relatable characters. Her stories continue to captivate readers of all ages and backgrounds, and her influence can be seen in countless works of literature, film, and television. Austen’s enduring popularity is a testament to her skill as a writer and her ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and nuance.

Here are 29 interesting facts about Jane Austen to give more information about her.

1. Jane Austen was the seventh of eight children born to George and Cassandra Austen.
2. Austen’s father was a clergyman, and her mother came from a wealthy family.
3. Austen began writing as a teenager and completed her first novel, “Lady Susan,” at the age of 19.
4. Austen never married, but she did have several romantic relationships throughout her life.
5. Her novels were not published under her own name during her lifetime; instead, they were attributed to “A Lady.”
6. Austen’s sister Cassandra destroyed many of her letters after her death, leaving gaps in her personal history.
7. “Sense and Sensibility” was the first novel Austen published, in 1811.
8. Austen’s novels were set in the rural English countryside and focused on the lives of the middle and upper classes.
9. Austen was known for her sharp wit and satirical commentary on social conventions.
10. She lived through a period of great political and social change in England, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
11. Austen’s brother Henry helped to publish her novels and wrote a biographical note about her after her death.
12. Austen’s final novel, “Persuasion,” was published posthumously in 1818.
13. Her works were largely ignored by literary critics during her lifetime, but they gained popularity in the decades after her death.
14. Austen’s novels have been adapted into countless films, television shows, and stage productions.
15. The Jane Austen Society of North America was founded in 1979 to promote Austen’s works and legacy.
16. Austen’s novels have been translated into dozens of languages, including French, German, and Japanese.
17. She is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of the English Novel.”
18. Austen was a keen observer of human nature and social behavior, and her novels often deal with themes of love, marriage, and class.
19. She was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing music with her family.
20. Austen’s family was close-knit, and she remained close to her siblings throughout her life.
21. Her novels often feature strong and independent female characters who defy societal expectations.
22. Austen was known for her love of nature and spent much of her time walking and exploring the countryside.
23. Her novel “Emma” was dedicated to the Prince Regent, who was a fan of her work.
24. Austen was a devout Christian and her faith is reflected in her writing.
25. Her works were not without controversy; some critics objected to the irreverent tone of her writing and her portrayals of unconventional women.
26. Austen’s novels were a reflection of the times in which she lived, but they also remain relevant today for their insight into human relationships and social dynamics.
27. She died of an unknown illness at the age of 41 and was buried in Winchester Cathedral.
28. Austen’s home in Chawton, Hampshire, is now a museum dedicated to her life and work.
29. Her legacy as a writer continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world, making her one of the most beloved and celebrated authors of all time.