Profile of the Day: Jane Austen

On December 16, 1775, English novelist Jane Austen was born in Steventon, England.

Image: Jane Austen / Wikimedia Commons

The seventh of eight children, Austen grew up in a large, close knit family. Jane’s parents, George and Cassandra Austen, were members of substantial gentry families. Growing up, Austen would write poems, stories, and plays for her family’s amusement.

It wasn’t until Austen was in her thirties that she publish her first novels. From 1811-1816, Austen anonymously published what would become known as some of her greatest works: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma. Although her novels were well received, it was not till after her death that her brother revealed to the public that she was the author. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest novelists in history.

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