Our dear and beloved Jane Austen was born 234 years ago on this day in her childhood home, Stevenson Rectory, located in Hampshire, England.
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live with Jane Austen during the Georgian Era? So much change seems to have taken place during Jane Austen’s life. She has seen the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the emergence of the Romantic Era in the arts… *sigh* Sometimes I feel I was born in the wrong time period and desperately wish I was able to see all the fascinating changes and events first-hand!!
Nevertheless, I would like to contribute to all the other birthday wishes for Jane Austen out there by providing a little glimpse of who was apart of Jane Austen’s generation…
Ludwig van Beethoven (December 17, 1770 – March 26, 1827) the famous German composer and pianist. He is my second most favorite person in history (after Jane Austen, of course!)
William Wordsworth (April 7, 1770 – April 23, 1850) a major English Romantic poet.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (October 21,1772 – July, 25 1834) an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher.
Henry Clay (April 12, 1777 – June 29, 1852) an American statesman and orator. Served as Senator and Representive for Kentucky. In addition, he was the Secretary of State during John Quincy Adams Presidency.
Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843) an American lawyer, author, and poet. Composed the words to our national anthem “The Star Spangled Banner”
William Clark (August 1, 1770 – September 1, 1838) an American explorer, soldier, and governor. Famous for exploring the Louisianna Purchase Territory with Meriwether Lewis.
After reading this post, it is clearly evident that important females are seriously outnumbered by important males in this decade. That just makes it all the more incredible and impressive that Jane Austen became a published and successful author during her lifetime, doesn’t it?
***Information referenced from: The Friendly Jane Austen by Natalie Tyler and http://www.wikipedia.org/
Excellent post and a nice touch to add her contemporaries. Personally, I owe Jane a lot. Not only did she provide me with hours of amusement, but she has also enabled me to become a published author. Thanks, Jane.
I think the whole world owes Jane Austen, especially those who do not realize it. Oh course you, Meredith, are not enlisted in those ranks. This post is lovely. What a remarkable generation it was!
Thank you so much, Mary and Alexa. I feel I owe her so much. I feel as if she has been a major part of my life these past seven years. I look forward to learning more about her and her world. I am so very glad you became a published author, Mary. I know I wouldn’t have my blog if it weren’t for Jane Austen!
Happy, happy birthday, Jane Austen! What a place the literary world would have been without her.
Great post, Meredith. I really enjoyed reading about her contemporaries. Thanks!
Thanks Lori! I think it is fascinating that two of most favorite people in history were both born around December 16, just five years apart! (Beethoven’s birthdate is sometimes listed as December 16 or 17).
yay for Jane! interesting to see her contemporaries. great portraits.