About the Author

Jane Austen(1775-1817) was born in Hampshire, England, to George Austen, a rector, and his wife, Cassandra. Like many girls of her day, she was educated at home, where she began her literary career by writing parodies and skits for the amusement of her large family. Although Austen did not marry, she did have several suitors and once accepted a marriage proposal, but only for an evening. Although Austen never lived apart from her family, her work shows a worldly and wise sensibility. Her novels includeSense and Sensibility(1811),Pride and Prejudice(1813),Mansfield Park(1814),Emma(1815), andNorthanger AbbeyandPersuasion, published together posthumously in 1818.

Margaret Drabbleis the highly acclaimed novelist, biographer, and editor ofThe Oxford Companion to English Literature. Her novels includeThe Gates of Ivory,The Seven Sisters, andThe Red Queen. She lives in London.

Stephanie Laurensis the New York Timesbestselling author of more than thirty historical romances set in Regency England. Her Cynster and Bastion Club novels are beloved by readers worldwide.

Reviews

"Miss Austen understood the smallness of life to perfection. She was a great artist."—Alfred, Lord Tennyson

"Miss Austen understood the smallness of life to perfection. She was a great artist."-Alfred, Lord Tennyson