Unique Elements About the Author Historical Context - Timeline A Much-Loved Literary Classic by JANE AUSTEN. "Pride and Prejudice" by BRITISH author JANE AUSTEN is a book of literary fiction first published in 1813 in the United Kingdom. Jane Austen (/ˈɒstɪn, ˈɔːs-/; 16 December 1775 - 18 July 1817) was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. A classic story of romance and society among the British landed gentry set against the backdrop of England's tumultuous Regency era. Sneak Peak 'Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners. His sisters were fine women, with an air of decided fashion. His brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his friend Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend.' Title Details  Originally published in 1813 Literary fiction: Classic romance novel