The History of England

Written by Jane Austen when she was only 15 years old, The History of England can be viewed at the British Library site using a flash player (which you can download for free).

Click on Jane Austen's early work, and choose your connection speed. Then click on the arrow at the bottom. You can magnify each page or click on the audio and listen as you read along. Each page is available in manuscript form as well. The book is written in her hand and the illustrations are by her sister Cassandra. The History is delightful, full of sassy humor and wit, and is a foreshadowing of great things to come from Jane's mighty pen.