On this day in 1811, Jane Austen published her first novel, Sense and Sensibility and to salute her undeniable genius, we have launched a new candle. Whoop!
This one is heady with notes of tea (because where would any Austen novel be without tea?), bergamot and lily and we think it’s the perfect way to celebrate the enduring coming of age story of the Dashwood sisters.
The novel, originally titled 'Elinor and Marianne' was written anonymously when Jane was 35 years old. The first draft was rejected by a publisher and then was drastically altered in 1797-98 and then revised again in 1809-10. In 1811, Thomas Egerton published it under Jane’s new title, 'Sense and Sensibility' and she stated only that it was written ‘by a lady’ and it was to be published in three volumes. There were probably between 750-1000 first edition copies printed and they all sold out within two years, making Jane a profit of £140 - about £9000 in today’s money.
Why she took pains to conceal her identity we will never know. Even her niece Anna, who saw the book while they were out together, commented that this secrecy could only mean that the book was not very good. We know that Jane had a wonderfully sharp sense of humour and must have enjoyed that familial review very much - she revealed her big secret later.
The success of the novel made a good impression on Egerton who went on to publish Pride and Prejudice in 1813 and Mansfield Park the year after.
Once Jane’s identity was known in society, the Prince Regent, a fan of her work suggested she dedicate Emma to him, which she reluctantly did.
And so, Sense and Sensibility has been continuously published since 1811, that’s more than 200 years ago! The relatable themes of family, love, hardship and societal judgement must surely mean her books will continue being enjoyed by readers for centuries to come.