Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an acclaimed English novelist known for six major novels: Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. Her writing style has been widely thought of as a cross between realist and romantic genres. Austen's prose is poignant, and always features a strong-willed female protagonist. While sparing no detail depicting the lavishness of women in the English upper class, Austen also portrayed the reality of gendered social dynamics in the 19th century. Austen has been hailed as a heroine of her own time, in large part because most of the novels of the day were written by men. Indeed, her books portrayed a female narrative that was often overlooked in the catalog of male authors at the time. Austen's novels gave an important voice to girls and women in literature, and it is for that reason, among countless others, that her works continue to inspire readers today.
