1. A Brief History
Jane Austen was born in 1775 in the small village of Steventon, England, the seventh child of George and Cassandra Leigh Austen. Growing up in a large family, Austen was surrounded by siblings and cousins, and her parents provided her with a comfortable and loving home. She was educated at home, and her father encouraged her to read and write, which would later become her passion and career.
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Advertisement2. The beloved author who wrote six novels
The beloved author Jane Austen wrote six novels during her lifetime, four of which were published before her death. These works include Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion. Each of these novels has become a classic in its own right, with Pride and Prejudice being the most popular and widely read. Jane Austen's works have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, and her influence on literature and popular culture continues to this day.
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3. Sister of Jane Austen embraces new life as wife and mother
Jane Austen's sister, Cassandra Leigh Austen, was of a higher social rank than her husband, yet she did not seem to regret the fall in social standing. Instead, she embraced her new role as a wife and mother, bringing a sense of social class to the family that would later be reflected in Jane Austen's novels. Cassandra Leigh Austen's cheerful attitude towards her new life provided Jane with a unique insight into the social classes of the time, which she would later use to great effect in her writing.
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4. 14 KISSES IN JANE AUSTEN'S NOVELS
Jane Austen's novels are renowned for their romantic storylines, and this is reflected in the number of kisses featured in her works. In total, there are 14 kisses across all of Austen's novels, making them a great source of romantic inspiration for readers. From the passionate embrace between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice to the tender kiss between Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth in Persuasion, Austen's novels are full of romantic moments that will leave readers swooning.
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Advertisement5. Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey Includes the Word 'Baseball'
In her classic novel Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen made history by being the first author to use the word 'baseball' in an English novel. Written between 1798 and 1799, Northanger Abbey is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be read and enjoyed by readers around the world. This novel is even more remarkable for its inclusion of the word 'baseball', which was a relatively new sport at the time and had yet to be widely adopted. Jane Austen's inclusion of the word in her novel is a testament to her forward-thinking and her ability to capture the spirit of the times.
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6. Jane Austen was a Revolutionary Writer
Jane Austen was a revolutionary writer who changed the way we think about literature. Not only did she write some of the most beloved novels of all time, but she was also the first to use the phrase “dinner party” in her writing. This phrase has become a staple of modern literature, and is often used to describe a gathering of friends or family for a meal. Austen's use of the phrase was a groundbreaking moment in literature, and her influence can still be seen today.
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7. Jane Austen's niece recalls that she always wore a cap
Jane Austen was known for her fashion sense, and her niece recalled that she always wore a cap. This was a common accessory for women of the time, and it was often seen as a sign of respectability and modesty. Jane Austen was known for her wit and intelligence, and her choice of headwear was no exception. Her niece remembered that she always wore a cap, which was usually made of white muslin and trimmed with lace or ribbons. This was a subtle way for her to express her personality and style, and it was a look that she kept throughout her life.
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Advertisement8. Highly Talented Writer
Jane Austen was a highly talented writer, honing her comic abilities by writing for her family, particularly her older brothers who had attended Oxford University. She had a great admiration for them and their literary abilities, yet it was only she who would become a published novelist. Her family was highly literary, but it was her own unique talent that enabled her to become one of the most renowned authors of all time.
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9. A Woman Who Suffered From an Undiagnosed Illness
At the young age of 41, Jane Austen tragically passed away from an undiagnosed illness. It is believed that she suffered from Addison's Disease, a tubercular disorder of the kidneys. This progressive condition is characterized by a deficiency of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and abdominal pain. Unfortunately, due to the lack of medical knowledge at the time, Austen's condition was never diagnosed during her lifetime.
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10. 400% increase in Jane Austen adaptations in China
At any given moment, there are an estimated 600 Jane Austen adaptations being produced around the world. In the past five years, China has seen a remarkable 400% increase in its Jane Austen output, and is projected to become the world leader in Austen adaptations by 2012. This surge in popularity is indicative of the timelessness of Austen's work, which continues to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
