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January 30, 2007

Jane: On Money

"Tho' I like praise as well as anybody, I like what Edward calls Pewter too."

--Jane Austen, Letter 1814

Okay, so let's take a look at what Jane earned during her lifetime.

1803: 10 pounds from the publisher Richard Crosby for the manuscript of Susan, that was eventually published as Northanger Abbey.

1811: 140 pounds from the publisher Thomas Egerton for Sense and Sensibility. Eventually Jane earned approximately 150 pounds in profits.

1812: 110 pounds for Pride and Prejudice.

1814: 450 pounds from the publisher John Murray for the copyright to Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park.

In her lifetime, Jane Austen earned about 700 pounds. In today's money that ranges from about $14,000 to $35,000. I have even seen estimates up to $100,000. But let's face it, Jane Austen was grossly underpaid.

As one Hollywood agent said to me: " I would kill to represent that woman. I could get her multiple overall deals with every studio in town, plus a play-or-play for a series based on that Lizzie-I'm-not-prejudiced-chick. Sheesh, you sure she's like dead?"

Jane Austen is everywhere. Here is the Jane Austen Blog.

Posted by Robert J. Avrech at January 30, 2007 11:13 AM

Comments

Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.

1. No profanity.

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Posted by: mata hari at January 30, 2007 12:12 PM

Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at January 30, 2007 01:07 PM

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