Jane Austen

Profession: Novelist

Nationality:

Biography: Novelist Jane Austen is now regarded as one of the greatest writers of social manners in the English language.

During her lifetime Austen published just four novels anonymously, focusing on everyday domestic life of the English middle class, before her early death at 41.

Austen's first novel was "Sense and Sensibility" in 1811. "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), her second, remains her most popular. Its lively heroine Elizabeth Bennett was Austen's favorite character and its hero Mr Darcy has become a model for the Romantic figure. In recent times, Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC production has been particularly acclaimed.

Two further novels were published after her death in 1817.

Austen's stories continue to resonate and modern adaptations of her works are regularly produced and range from such films as "Clueless" (1995) to the book and film "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies".

Born: December 16, 1775
Birthplace: Steventon, Hampshire, England
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: July 18, 1817 (aged 41)
Cause of Death: Addison's disease

Historical Events

1811-10-28 First known purchase of Jane Austen's novel "Sense and Sensibility" by the Prince Regent (later George IV), a fan
1813-01-28 Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is published by Thomas Egerton in the United Kingdom
1815-12-23 "Emma" novel by Jane Austen is published by John Murray in London
1959-03-19 George Weiss, Bo Goldman, and Glenn Paxton musical "First Impressions", adapted from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", starring Polly Bergen; Farley Granger, and Hermione Gingold, opens at Alvin Theater, NYC; runs for 84 performances
1959-05-30 George Weiss, Bo Goldman, and Glenn Paxton musical "First Impressions", adapted from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", starring Polly Bergen; Farley Granger, and Hermione Gingold, closes at Alvin Theater, NYC, after 84 performances
1995-07-19 Teen comedy film "Clueless" is released, loosely based on Jane Austen's book "Emma" starring Alicia Silverstone, directed by Amy Heckerling
1995-09-24 TV adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth debuts on BBC One
2005-09-11 "Pride & Prejudice", the film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel of the same name, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, is released
2024-03-05 Shirt worn by (a very wet) Colin Firth in 1995 BBC-TV adaption of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" sells for £20,000 ($32,000) at a charity auction in London

Biographies and Sources

Colin Firth’s wet shirt from Pride and Prejudice sells for £20,000 - Guardian
Emma - Jane Austen Society of North America