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Sense and Sensibility

Jane Austen · 1811

Jane Austen's debut novel, published anonymously in 1811, about the Dashwood sisters' contrasting approaches to love and hardship.

Austen's first published novel, issued anonymously, marking her debut as a professional author.

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Title page of the first edition of Sense and Sensibility, a novel in three volumes, by a Lady, Vol. I, London, printed for the author and published by T. Egerton, Whitehall, 1811.
Title page, first edition of Sense and Sensibility, Vol. I. London: T. Egerton, 1811.

About this source

What it is

Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen's debut novel, appearing in 1811. It was published anonymously, with "By A Lady" on the title page in place of her name. It was printed in three volumes in London for the author, published by T. Egerton.

Why it matters

The novel follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, after they are forced to leave their family estate and live on reduced means. It explores women's economic dependence and critiques the fashionable "cult of sensibility" of its time, contrasting Elinor's self-control with Marianne's emotional openness. As Austen's first published work, it marks the start of her public career as a novelist.

Look closer

  • Why might Austen have chosen to publish her first novel anonymously?
  • What does the sisters' loss of income reveal about women's financial situation in this period?
  • How does the book's original form, written as letters, differ from the version that was eventually published?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Jane Austen on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Scan of the title page of the first edition, volume one, of Pride and Prejudice: A Novel, in three volumes, by the author of Sense and Sensibility. London, printed for T. Egerton, Military Library, Whitehall, 1813.Book

Primary source

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen · 1813

A printed portrait illustration of a woman, used as a frontispiece in a book of Jane Austen's novels.Painting

Secondary source

Portrait of Jane Austen, Winchester Edition

1898

Title page of the first edition of Emma, Vol. I. Text reads: EMMA: A NOVEL. IN THREE VOLUMES. BY THE AUTHOR OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, &c. &c. VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR JOHN MURRAY, 1816. Cream-colored paper with black serif type.Book

Primary source

Emma

Jane Austen · 1815

Title page of the 1818 first edition of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, printed in London by John Murray, Albemarle-Street. Text reads: Northanger Abbey: and Persuasion. By the author of Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield-Park, &c. With a biographical notice of the author. In four volumes. Vol. I.Book

Primary source

Persuasion

Jane Austen · 1817 (title page dated 1818)

Title page of the 1818 first edition of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, printed in London by John Murray, Albemarle-Street. Text reads 'Northanger Abbey: and Persuasion. By the author of Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield-Park, &c. With a biographical notice of the author. In four volumes. Vol. I.' Aged cream paper with foxing.Book

Primary source

Northanger Abbey

Jane Austen · written c. 1799, published 1817 (title page 1818)

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