Jane Austen, born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England, is a celebrated author known for her keen observations of early 19th-century English society. The daughter of George Austen, a clergyman, and Cassandra Leigh Austen, Jane was the seventh of eight children in a close-knit family that encouraged her literary pursuits from an early age.

Austen's early life was marked by a love of reading and writing, nurtured by her family’s intellectual environment. She began writing stories and plays as a child, showcasing her talent for witty and insightful commentary on human behavior. After spending her formative years in Steventon, her family moved to Bath in 1801, and later to Southampton and Chawton, where Jane would spend much of her adult life.

Austen's literary career took off in the early 1800s when she began to publish her works anonymously. Her first published novel, "Sense and Sensibility," appeared in 1811, followed by "Pride and Prejudice" in 1813, which became her most famous work. Other notable novels include "Emma," "Mansfield Park," and "Persuasion." Through her novels, Austen explored themes of love, marriage, and social class, often employing irony and humor to critique societal norms.

Despite her literary success, Austen’s personal life was relatively quiet. She never married, although she had a close relationship with her sister Cassandra. Austen spent her later years in the village of Chawton, where she continued to write until her health declined. She passed away on July 18, 1817, in Winchester, England, leaving behind a legacy that has continued to resonate with readers around the world. Today, Austen is revered as one of the greatest novelists in the English language, her works celebrated for their timeless insight into human relationships and social commentary.