Jane Austen portrait

Jane Austen

A Life in Words · 1775—1817

1775
Steventon Rectory

Born at Steventon Rectory

Jane Austen is born in Hampshire, England, into a family surrounded by books, conversation, and learning.

1787
Jane Austen Writing Table

The Young Writer

Austen begins writing her Juvenilia — playful stories, satire, and early experiments with fiction.

1797
Pride and Prejudice Manuscript

First Impressions

Austen completes the early manuscript that will become Pride and Prejudice.

1809
Chawton Cottage

Chawton Cottage

In this quiet Hampshire home, Austen revises and writes the novels that make her immortal.

1813
Pride and Prejudice first edition

Pride and Prejudice Published

Austen's celebrated novel appears and captures generations of readers.

1817
Jane Austen portrait

A Lasting Legacy

Jane Austen dies at age 41, leaving behind some of the most beloved novels in English literature.