Jane Austen, the author of classics like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility,' was never a household name during her lifetime. Her first published novel, 'Sense and Sensibility' (1811), was credited simply to 'A Lady,' and 'Pride and Prejudice' was attributed to 'The Author of Sense and Sensibility.' While her books were generally well-received and sold steadily, she lived a quiet life and never saw her name on a title page. Austen used biting social irony and realism to critique the British landed gentry of the late 18th century, particularly the dependence of women on marriage for social standing and economic security. It wasn't until after her death in 1817 that her brother Henry revealed her identity to the public. Today, she is one of the most widely read and adapted authors in the world, appearing on the British £10 note.