Jane Austen was an English novelist born in 1775 who wrote 6 novels during her lifetime, including Pride and Prejudice. She never married and died in 1817 at age 41. Her novels addressed themes of conservatism through proper social conduct, the need for self-control and restraint, and defining right versus wrong. Though writing during her own time in history, Austen's exploration of morality and social values continue to influence modern western society.