THE CONFIDENT READER

Jane's access to books opened up a world of thought and knowledge

Her father's library, in Jane's childhood home of Steventon, contained over 500 volumes and an emphasis was placed on the importance of education for all the Austen children, both at home and away from school. When the family moved to Bath in 1801, most of George Austen's library was sold. Legend has it Jane fainted upon the news of the move, knowing she would have to give up her home, the library and her precious piano. In 1809 Jane moved to Chawton, where she had access to the Knight family library at Chawton House, an eclectic collection of over 3000 books - the same library our founder and chair, Caroline Jane Knight, used as a child.