Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction set among the gentry have earned her a place as one of the most widely read and most beloved writers in English literature. Born in Hampshire in the south of England, she never married by threw herself into her writing which produced not only Pride and Prejudice, but five other complete novels which are renowned for their insightful grasp of human characteristics and good humour. Her works have entertained numerous generations of readers and been adapted into many films and TV series.