First-edition copies of Jane Austen’s completed novels are currently on display at her former home in Chawton, England. The special exhibition, titled “Jane Austen and the Art of Writing,” showcases rare books that Austen wrote or revised during the last eight years of her life.
Austen, along with her mother and sister Cassandra, resided in the cottage in Chawton from 1809 to 1817. It was during this time that she penned all six of her completed novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. The exhibition marks the first occasion that all six first-edition novels are displayed together at Jane Austen’s House, now a museum. Among the novels are copies owned by Austen’s brothers Frank and Edward, as well as a copy of Sense and Sensibility with the original publisher’s binding.
Sophie Reynolds, the head of collections, interpretation, and engagement at the museum, describes the novels as “real treasures” that offer a glimpse into Austen’s life in the house. The books are presented in a 12-sided case inspired by Austen’s small wooden table where she often worked. The exhibition is a part of the museum’s preparations for the upcoming 250th birthday celebrations of the beloved author in December 2025.
In addition to the first-edition novels, the exhibition features objects from Austen’s life that influenced her writing. For example, topaz crosses received by Jane and Cassandra from their brother Charles likely inspired a similar cross in Mansfield Park. Austen’s letters are also on display, shedding light on how her correspondence and love of letter-writing shaped her fiction. Visitors can explore a film about The Watsons, one of Austen’s unfinished novels, to gain insight into her writing process.
Lizzie Dunford, the museum director, is thrilled for visitors to immerse themselves in the books and objects that inspired Austen. The exhibition aims to provide a deeper understanding of Austen as a dedicated and professional writer, showcasing how her living arrangements influenced her work. “Jane Austen and the Art of Writing” is now open for viewing at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, offering a unique opportunity to experience the author’s literary legacy in a meaningful way.
To stay updated on the latest stories, visitors can subscribe to the museum’s newsletter for weekday updates. The exhibition covers a range of topics related to arts, books, British writers, and the influence of England on Austen’s work. It provides a comprehensive look at the life and writing of one of the most celebrated authors in literary history.
