Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) A famous English novelist. Jane Austen is known primarily for her six major novels which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813 tells the story of the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage.