Jane Austen wrote six novels during her lifetime, and two were published after her death. She is well known for her witty dialogue, social commentary, romance, and strong female characters.
Her works are often compared to Shakespeare’s because of their lightness and charm despite the dark subject at times.
Whether you’re just getting started on reading her works or revisiting them after a long break, it can be hard to remember the correct order in which they should be read.
Reading Jane Austen’s books in chronological order provides readers with an understanding of how she developed as a writer over time, as well as an appreciation for the themes she explored throughout her work.
In this article, we will discuss the titles of all six novels in the order they were written and published.
About Jane Austen
Jane Austen was one of the most influential authors in English literature. She was born in 1775 and wrote six major novels, the most famous being Pride and Prejudice.
Through her work, she offered a critique of the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th Century, using irony and realism to make her point.
In her novels, she also commented on the place of women in society and the importance of marriage for economic security and social standing.
Despite never marrying herself, Jane Austen lived a happy and active life. Her books have been adapted into films many times over, inspiring countless other works of fiction, as well as sparking conversations about gender roles in society.
Her influence can still be felt today; her novels are widely read and studied by students around the world. Jane Austen’s legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
The wit of Jane Austen has been praised by many, including the renowned author Virginia Woolf.
Woolf was particularly impressed with Austen’s taste, noting that it was a perfect partner to her wit.
This is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Austen’s writing, as she was able to combine humor and insight in her work.
Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility follows the story of two sisters, Marianne Dashwood, and Elinor through three volumes, as they navigate the complexities of love in a society that values propriety above all else.
Marianne is an impulsive romantic who wears her heart outwardly, while Elinor is sensitive as such to social conventions, and she struggles to not reveal her romantic disappointment.
The novel opens with Marianne declaring that she will never find a man whom she can truly love, setting the tone for the sisters’ divergent paths in their search for true love.
Despite Elinor’s warnings about gossip and innuendo, Marianne falls for the most unsuitable John Willoughby.
Pros
Strong romance throughout with in-depth character dynamics.
Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel written by Jane Austen in 1812. It tells the story of the Bennet family, a middle-class family living in rural England during the early 19th century.
The novel follows the five Bennet sisters as they navigate through society’s expectations of marriage and courtship.
At the center of it is Elizabeth Bennet, who must choose between her own pride and prejudice when she meets Mr. Darcy, a wealthy gentleman with whom she has an immediate dislike for.
Pros
A well-written novel that has become a prized classic in literature.
Cons
Some readers may have mixed feelings about the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
Mansfield Park is a classic novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1814. It tells the story of Fanny Price, who is taken from her poverty-stricken Portsmouth home to live at Mansfield Park with her wealthy cousins.
Fanny is aware of her humble style and has only Edmund as an ally. When her uncle leaves for Antigua, the Crawfords arrive in the neighborhood, bringing along the London glamor life and a particularly reckless taste for flirtation.
This novel is actually considered the author’s first mature written work and one of her most profound. It examines moral integrity and social positions through its quiet heroine, Fanny Price.
Pros
Mature piece of work that evokes strong opinions from most readers.
Cons
Some readers have described the book as being a bit dull at points.
Emma Woodhouse is a young woman living in the English countryside with her father.
After introducing her friend and former governess, Miss Taylor, to Mr. Weston, Emma takes credit for their marriage and decides to pursue matchmaking as a hobby.
Her first attempt at matchmaking involves Harriet Smith, a young woman of unknown parentage who lives in the area.
Emma attempts to pair Harriet with Mr. Elton, the local vicar, but soon discovers that he is more interested in herself than Harriet.
The story follows Emma as she continues to meddle in other people’s affairs while trying to find true love for herself and those around her.
Along the way, she makes mistakes and learns valuable lessons about friendship, family, and love.
Pros
Incredible character dynamics with an engaging storyline.
Cons
Some readers find the main character to be meddlesome, however, this is the intention.
This resort town is known for its wealthy members of British society, and Catherine eagerly accepts the invitation.
At seventeen years old, she is still quite naive and inexperienced in life. She has never been away from home before and is excited by all the new sights and experiences that await her in Bath.
Catherine’s journey to adulthood begins as soon as she arrives in Bath. She quickly learns how to navigate the social circles of this new world and discovers that there are many different kinds of people living there.
She also finds out that not everyone has good intentions and must learn how to protect herself from those who would take advantage of her innocence.
Pros
Extremely well written coming of age novel that is engaging and discusses topics of inspiring nature.
Cons
The novel is split into two books, which some readers may find difficult to complete.
Persuasion, which is Austen’s very last novel, was written after she had finished the novel, Emma, and completed in 1816.
She died the following year, but the novel was published at the end of the year and dated 1818.
The story is set partly in Bath, a fashionable city with which Austen was familiar, having lived there from 1801 to 1805.
It is linked to Northanger Abbey because both of the stories are set somewhat in Bath. However, they were bound together originally and then published as a singular volume initially.
The themes explored in Persuasion are timeless and still relevant today, making it a classic piece of literature that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Pros
Engaging novel that has become a classic piece of literature.
Cons
Somewhat, maybe too similar to Northanger Abbey.
Jane Austen Novels In Written Order
Northanger Abbey – Written between the years 1798 and 1799
Sense and Sensibility – Written in 1797
Pride and Prejudice – Written in the 1790s then rewritten in 1812
The Watsons, and Sanditon is a great way to experience the works of Jane Austen. The stories are full of wit and charm, as well as the timeless themes that make Austen’s work so beloved.
Love and Friendship is a paperback book that is sure to bring joy and laughter to any reader. It is a collection of stories about love, friendship, and the power of relationships.
Final Thoughts
Jane Austen’s works have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by readers around the world. Her novels are full of wit, charm, and timeless themes that make them enjoyable for all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a classic novel to read or just want to explore some of her lesser-known works, there is something for everyone in Jane Austen’s library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Readers Say About Her Novels?
Austen’s novels have been widely acclaimed for their sharp dialogue and clever observations on human nature.
Her works have also been praised for their social commentary, as she often used satire to critique the societal norms of her time.
What Do Readers Need To Know About Jane Austen?
She was known for her realism and biting social commentary, which cemented her historical importance among scholars and critics.
The steadfast support of her family was critical to her development as a professional writer, allowing Austen to become one of the most widely read writers in English literature.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
