Jane Austen Books Ranked: A Guide to Her Best Novels and How to Read Them in Order

Introduction: Why Jane Austen Still Rules the Literary World

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Jane Austen books so beloved—why her characters still feel like old friends centuries later—you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a die-hard Janeite or someone who’s just dipping their toes into the world of witty banter, bonnets, and ballroom dances, this article will guide you through the Jane Austen books in order, rank her masterpieces, and help you decide which one to read next.

But wait—is Jane Austen books for adults too? Oh, absolutely. While they’re often assigned in high school or college syllabi, the humor, irony, and emotional intelligence in her work hit differently when you’re older. They evolve with you. That’s the true magic of the best Jane Austen novels—they grow with the reader.

How Many Jane Austen Books Are There?

Let’s clear this up first. How many Jane Austen books are there? Officially, she completed six major novels before her untimely death in 1817. Along with these, she left behind a few unfinished manuscripts and juvenile works, but the six full-length novels are what made her legendary.

Here are Jane Austen’s books in order of publication:

1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)

2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)

3. Mansfield Park (1814)

4. Emma (1815)

5. Northanger Abbey (1817, posthumous)

6. Persuasion (1817, posthumous)

You can absolutely read Jane Austen books in order of publication, but many fans prefer reading them based on personal taste or mood. So in this article, we’ll also give you a Jane Austen book ranking—from the universally acclaimed to the criminally underrated.

1. Pride and Prejudice – The Undisputed Queen of Jane Austen’s Books

“It is a truth universally acknowledged…” — and no, we’re not exaggerating.

When it comes to Jane Austen top books, Pride and Prejudice almost always reigns supreme. The tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is more than a love story—it’s a masterclass in character development, social commentary, and razor-sharp wit.

Lizzy is the heroine we all wish we had the courage to be: intelligent, outspoken, and beautifully flawed. Darcy, meanwhile, goes from brooding aristocrat to ultimate book boyfriend. If you’re wondering how to read Jane Austen for the first time, this is the perfect entry point. It’s fast-paced, funny, and endlessly re-readable.

Rating: 5/5
Why it’s one of the best books by Jane Austen: Timeless romance, layered characters, and that slow-burn tension.

2. Persuasion – Austen’s Most Mature and Melancholic Novel

Often listed among the best Jane Austen novels by long-time fans, Persuasion is a quieter, more introspective read. It follows Anne Elliot, a woman who once let love slip through her fingers—and then gets a second chance with Captain Wentworth.

If you’re someone who’s been through heartbreak or simply believes in the power of quiet resilience, Persuasion will speak to your soul. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t shout—but lingers.

Rating: 4.9/5
Why it’s a favorite Jane Austen novel: Emotional depth, second chances, and a hero who writes one of literature’s most famous love letters.

3. Emma – For Lovers of Chaos, Charm, and Character Growth

Ah, Emma. Austen herself described the titular heroine as someone “no one but myself will much like.” And yet, readers adore her. Emma Woodhouse is meddlesome, privileged, and kind of a brat—but she means well, and that’s her saving grace.

If you enjoy character-driven novels where the protagonist learns (the hard way), you’ll love this one. Plus, Mr. Knightley? A gentleman with a backbone, brains, and actual boundaries.

Rating: 4.7/5
Why it’s one of the best Jane Austen books: Delightfully messy heroine, realistic friendships, and romantic tension with moral integrity.

4. Sense and Sensibility – Two Sisters, Two Ways to Love

This is the book that started it all. Sense and Sensibility contrasts Elinor and Marianne Dashwood—one led by reason, the other by emotion—as they navigate love, loss, and financial ruin.

If you’ve ever felt torn between heart and head, this novel will resonate. It’s full of beautifully flawed people making very human mistakes.

Rating: 4.5/5
Why it’s a Jane Austen famous work: Rich emotional contrasts, sisterhood, and some of Austen’s most powerful commentary on gender and class.

5. Northanger Abbey – Jane Austen’s Satirical Gem

Northanger Abbey is the most underrated of Austen’s completed works. It’s playful, mocking the gothic tropes that were all the rage in her time. Catherine Morland, the heroine, is obsessed with spooky novels and lets her imagination run wild—sometimes to hilarious effect.

This is one of those famous Jane Austen books that is surprisingly modern in its humor. Think of it as Austen’s take on a book lover getting too lost in fiction.

Rating: 4.3/5
Why it’s great: Hilarious satire, lovable protagonist, and a cheeky critique of the publishing world.

6. Mansfield Park – The Most Divisive Austen Novel

Now, let’s talk about the black sheep. Mansfield Park is often last on Jane Austen book rankings, and for good reason. Fanny Price, the heroine, is quiet, passive, and too morally upright for many readers. But for others, that’s exactly what makes her special.

If you’re in the mood for a slower-paced, morally complex read, this is a thoughtful novel that explores themes like duty, privilege, and social hypocrisy.

Rating: 3.8/5
Why it’s still worth reading: Philosophical depth, rich subplots, and Austen’s most serious take on social inequality.

Jane Austen Books Ranked (Quick Recap)

Here’s your no-nonsense Jane Austen book ranking, based on general reader consensus and literary impact:

1. Pride and Prejudice – Best intro to Austen

2. Persuasion – For fans of emotional depth

3. Emma – For character-driven chaos

4. Sense and Sensibility – Heart vs. head

5. Northanger Abbey – For gothic satire lovers

6. Mansfield Park – Slow burn with moral questions

How to Read Jane Austen: Tips for Modern Readers

Not sure how to read Jane Austen in the 21st century? Here are some tips:

• Start with the accessible ones: Begin with Pride and Prejudice or Emma to get a feel for her style.

• Use annotated editions: They help you navigate older language and customs.

• Watch an adaptation: There are brilliant versions of all her famous Jane Austen books—from BBC classics to modern reimaginings (hello, Clueless).

• Join a reading group or blog club: Like Riya’s Blogs, where we talk about timeless reads and literary obsessions!

Novels About Jane Austen: Fiction Inspired by the Queen Herself

Aside from her original works, there’s a whole sub-genre of novels about Jane Austen. From The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner to Austenland by Shannon Hale, these books imagine her life, her fans, and her influence on love and literature. If you’re already enchanted by her world, these make for the perfect bonus reads.

The Many Faces of Jane Austen: From Page to Screen

If you’ve read all the Jane Austen books ranked and are craving more, you’re not alone. One of the best things about being a fan of Austen is that there’s a whole cinematic universe out there waiting for you.

Here are some iconic film and TV adaptations of Jane Austen’s famous works—some that stick to the story and some that reimagine it entirely:

📺 Classic Period Dramas (Straight from the Page)

• Pride and Prejudice (1995, BBC Mini-Series): Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Enough said. This is the adaptation for many Austenites.

• Sense and Sensibility (1995): Starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, this one brings Marianne and Elinor to life with elegance and emotion.

• Emma (2009, BBC): Romola Garai’s portrayal is playful and layered. A must-watch for fans of character-driven storytelling.

• Persuasion (2007): Subtle, mature, and deeply moving—just like the novel.

🎬 Modern Retellings (Inspired, Not Direct)

• Clueless (1995): Yes, it’s Emma in Beverly Hills with flip phones and plaid skirts. And yes, it totally works.

• Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001): Loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth literally playing “Mark Darcy.”

• Lost in Austen (2008): A British series where a modern-day Austen fan literally falls into the Pride and Prejudice universe.

• Austenland (2013): Based on the novel by Shannon Hale, this is for fans who dream of living in a Regency-era fantasy world.

These adaptations are a delightful way to see how the best books by Jane Austen translate across centuries. Even if you’ve read the novels, seeing the characters come alive on screen adds new depth and appreciation.

Exploring Jane Austen’s Influence Today

The charm of Austen doesn’t stop with her six main novels. In fact, there’s a growing genre of novels about Jane Austen or inspired by her legacy. These aren’t rewrites—they’re homages, spiritual successors, and love letters to the woman who practically invented the modern romantic comedy.

Here are a few modern books that bring Austen’s spirit to new generations:

• The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner – Set in post-WWII England, this is a heartwarming story about a group of strangers connected by their love for Austen.

• Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld – A modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Cincinnati with CrossFit and reality TV.

• Pride by Ibi Zoboi – A YA remix of Pride and Prejudice featuring Afro-Latinx characters in modern-day Brooklyn.

• Jane Austen Made Me Do It, an anthology of stories inspired by Austen’s works.

These titles are perfect if you’re wondering how to read Jane Austen with a twist—or if you’re just not ready to leave her world behind.

FAQs About Jane Austen (Because Everyone’s Curious!)

💬 Is Jane Austen for adults too?

Absolutely! While some may have first encountered Jane Austen books in school, her themes of love, class, pride, resilience, and self-discovery resonate even more powerfully in adulthood. The subtle social commentary and emotional intelligence are layered in a way you appreciate more with time.

💬 Which Jane Austen book should I read first?

If you’re asking how to find the best Jane Austen novel for beginners, go with Pride and Prejudice. It’s the most accessible, witty, and full of memorable characters. If you prefer a more introspective love story, start with Persuasion.

💬 What is the best way to read Jane Austen books in order?

There’s no single “right” order. Some prefer chronological (publication) order, others go by preference. Here’s a quick guide based on vibes:

• Want something lively? Pride and Prejudice

• Craving character growth? Emma

• Prefer emotional maturity? Persuasion

• Need satire and humor? Northanger Abbey

• Into moral complexity? Mansfield Park

• Torn between head and heart? Sense and Sensibility

Reading Jane Austen books in order isn’t mandatory—but it does let you see how her themes evolved with time.

💬 Why are Jane Austen’s books still so popular?

Because they feel real. Her characters are complex, her stories balance humor with heartbreak, and her insights into human nature still ring true today. She’s the queen of subtlety, and her wit slices through the page like a ribbon through silk.

Final Words: Let Jane Austen Be Your Literary Lifeline

When it comes to Jane Austen top books, there’s truly no “wrong” starting point. Whether you’re picking up a battered paperback from a second-hand store or diving into a glossy annotated edition, each novel opens a window into a world that’s both historical and humanly familiar.

If you’re asking yourself how do I find the best Jane Austen book for me?, trust your instinct. Maybe you want the enemies-to-lovers tension of Pride and Prejudice, or the quiet ache of Persuasion, or the self-inflicted chaos of Emma.

Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: Jane Austen doesn’t just write stories—she builds worlds you’ll never want to leave.

So brew that tea, pull on some cozy socks, and prepare to lose yourself in the pages. And if you want more literary deep-dives like this, don’t forget to swing by Riya’s Blogs again—we’re always unpacking classics, chasing hidden gems, and gushing about characters like they’re real people.

Because in the world of great literature… sometimes, they are.

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