Jane Austen
Though much about Jane Austen has been lost to time, what remains paints a vivid portrait of an extraordinary woman. Her existing works and sparse correspondence give us insight into her wit, intelligence and dry humor; family memories convey the gentleness of her character while critics recognize that there was likely more depth beneath than even they could appreciate. Even two centuries after she passed on from this world, we can still get glimpses into who Austen truly was - a remarkable individual whose life continues to captivate readers around the globe.
Jane Austen was born in the small village of Steventon, Hampshire on December 16th, 1775 to a family with humble origins. Her father George had been an orphan until his rise through school and ordination by the Church of England attracted Cassandra Leigh from her own distinguished background as worthy match material. Together they blended their two social classes into one close-knit family residing at Emily's childhood home near London – where she later wrote many beloved novels renowned for bringing us timeless truths about life rooted within Engllish society during Regency Era Britain.
The Austens had a unique way of entertaining themselves - they performed theatricals to one another in their barn! The productions were penned by Jane herself and proved to be quite popular amongst family members, as well as some close neighbors. Her keen talent for writing shone through at an early age; she wrote her own poems and parodies which depicted the dramatic fiction that was prevalent back then. Eventually, these works found residence within three volumes titled Volume the First', 'Volume' the Second' and 'Volume'the Third'.
In 1795, when she was just 20 years old, Austen entered a highly productive phase and penned her now renown 'First Trilogy'. Inspired by the social engagements and flirtations of daily life for young women during Jane's era came Elinor & Marianne. Although rejected in initial submission to publishers it would eventually become one of the most beloved novels ever written - Pride & Prejudice! Her creative juices kept flowing into 1798 leading to Susan becoming Northanger Abbey. At such an early age she left us with timeless stories which have since inspired generations around the world!
Richard Jenkyns, descendant of Jane Austen's older brother and author of A Fine Brush on Ivory: An Appreciation explains why the beloved novelist is still highly revered today; it isn't due to her depictions of historical clothing styles, but rather because she captures a world that we can relate to. Her stories bring us together with modernity despite being written centuries ago - making them timelessly popular for generations!
Jane Austen's tales of romance, scandal, and the perils of mistaken identity may feel centuries old - but her characters' emotions will be familiar to us today. From high school dramas in California to interracial romances onscreen - Jane Austen has inspired countless modern updates as viewers recognize something special in her work that withstands time itself. But no matter how faithfully adapted for new audiences; nothing beats reading the masterful original stories penned by this consummate literary wit with an eye for satire!
Jane Austen's beloved novels including Pride and Prejudice have inspired countless authors to create stories of their own, from direct sequels such as Lady Catherine’s Necklace by Joan Aiken or Pemberley: or Pride and Prejudice Continued by Emma Tennant to modern-day homages like Karen Joy Fowler’s The Jane Austen Book Club. Even the hit films Bridget Jones' Diary and Clueless are based on her works! Fans of all generations can continue enjoying tales rooted in a timeless classic.