Greatest Works of Jane Austen

by Jane Austen

Jane Austen, a renowned English novelist of the nineteenth century, crafted timeless tales that continue to captivate readers to this day. Her greatest works are a testament to her wit, social commentary, and keen understanding of human nature. In this set of five books, immerse yourself in Austen's world of societal manners and romantic entanglements. Pride and Prejudice showcases the complexities of love and social hierarchy, while Emma explores the pitfalls of matchmaking. Sense and Sensibility delves into the contrast between rationality and emotions, while Mansfield Park delves into themes of morality and duty. Finally, Persuasion offers a poignant exploration of second chances and the power of persuasion. These masterpieces transport readers to a bygone era and leave an indelible mark on literature.
   

Genres: Classics, Fiction

1904 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2006

About the author

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.

The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.

Reviews

[Katie (Romance Novel Quotes)]

Persuasion: Even more lovely than I’d remembered. The best second chance romance of all time?

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Northanger Abby

I have read and reviewed the other books in the collection before. This is the first time to read NA. I enjoyed it a much as I did Jane Austin other books. The h grows up some after her time in Bath. Learning of peoples deceptions and not to make haste judgements.

[Shay Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't write romance but I love reading classic romance books. I am obsessed with Jane Austen and have read these books several times. The writing, the characters, the speech, the strength of the author... All beautiful :)

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i looooove jane austen. i only omit 1 star because of mansfield park -- i hated mansfield park -- the heroine is SO BORING -- so boring she makes elenor from sense and sensibility look like a raging alcoholic stripper! :-o