Novelist · 1775 – 1817

Jane Austen

Little-Known Facts

  • All of Austen's novels were published anonymously; her name appeared on her books only after her death.
  • She wrote at a small table in the family parlor, reportedly hiding her pages when visitors arrived.

Myths & Misconceptions

Were Austen's novels mere light romances?

No. Beneath their romantic plots lies sharp social criticism, irony, and acute observation of the constraints women faced.