A look into the world of Jane Austen

Jane Austen was born in 1775 in the English village of Steventon and grew up in a large, loving family with access to books, conversation and the exchange of ideas. Her father was a clergyman and supported both Jane and her siblings’ education, which was unusual for girls at the time. Jane began writing at a young age, and her life was shaped by what she saw and experienced in the English bourgeoisie and the limited opportunities available to women. She lived her entire life unmarried and of limited means, but she wrote with wit, warmth and keen observation – and over time became one of the most beloved writers in the world.

Novels with a sharp eye and strong women

Jane Austen's six major works – Sense and Sensibility , Pride and Prejudice , Mansfield Park , Emma , Northanger Abbey and Persuasion – were all written in the early 19th century. They are set in affluent circles where marriage is not just about love but also about financial security and social status. Yet her heroines are often brave and independent women who insist on choosing with their hearts – and who are not afraid to speak out against convention. With great humor and precision, Austen revealed the human in all that is neat and polished.

Timeless themes and great reading pleasure

Although Jane Austen's books were written over 200 years ago, they still feel relevant today. This is mainly due to her ability to portray human relationships – love, misunderstandings, pride, prejudice, friendship and family – in a way that can still touch us. Her language is elegant and sharp, and her characters are full of life. Many readers return again and again to Austen's universe, where you can laugh, sigh and be forced to think.

Jane Austen on the big screen

Jane Austen's novels have been the source of successful film and television series for decades. Among the most iconic are the BBC miniseries Pride and Prejudice (1995) starring Colin Firth as the charismatic Mr. Darcy, as well as the film adaptations of Emma (1996) starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Sense and Sensibility (1995) starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. More recent adaptations such as Emma (2020) and Persuasion ( 2022 ) also show how her stories still speak to modern audiences – often with colorful set designs and fresh interpretations.

A continuing inspiration

Jane Austen died in 1817, aged just 41, but her works live on, inspiring writers, readers and filmmakers alike. Today, her universe is cultivated in book clubs, on social media and in everything from costume dramas to modern romantic comedies. She has become an icon – not just for her literary legacy, but for her sharp insight into people and society. Jane Austen reminds us that finding your own voice, insisting on love and thinking for yourself never goes out of style. It is eternally relevant.