INTRODUCTION

Jane Austen (December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817) was a solitary voice of female empowerment and critic of society in her literary works. An English novelist writing in the early 19th century, her novels were published with little fanfare during her lifetime, but her words have inspired generations of women and bookworms ever since. Her poignant look at marriage, femininity, and liberation can be found in her most-loved works, from Pride and Prejudice (1813) and Emma (1813) to Mansfield Park (1814) and Sense and Sensibility (1811).

Modern adaptations of her works—from graphic novels, journals, and films taking place in contemporary high schools—continue to endear themselves to modern readers and audiences. In the 200 years since her works were first published, her books have almost never gone out of print, and Austen’s affecting words and cynical gaze continue to resonate, enthuse, and embolden. Within the pages of She Said It Best: Jane Austen, you’ll find exquisite hand-drawn illustrations paired with some of Jane’s most powerful lines, quips, and musings from her literature and personal writings.