Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Jane Austen’s Last Words
“I want nothing but death.”— Jane Austen, July 18, 1817
Who Was Jane Austen?
Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma — novels of wit, social observation, and romantic comedy that remain among the most beloved in English literature.
The Final Moments
Austen died in Winchester, where she had gone to seek medical treatment. She had been ill for over a year. Her sister Cassandra attended her throughout her decline.
Are These Words Verified?
Jane's sister Cassandra, who attended her throughout her final illness, recorded this exchange in letters to family. The account appears in the 1870 family memoir compiled by her nephew from Cassandra's correspondence.
Sources
- firsthand Cassandra Austen letters to family members
- biography J.E. Austen-Leigh, A Memoir of Jane Austen
- archive Winchester Cathedral archives
Legacy
Austen's novels have never gone out of print. She is the most adapted author in English literature, with countless film and television versions of her works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Jane Austen’s last words?
“I want nothing but death.”
How did Jane Austen die?
Jane Austen died on July 18, 1817 at the age of 41. Cause of death: Unknown (possibly Addison's disease or lymphoma).
Were Jane Austen’s last words documented?
Jane's sister Cassandra, who attended her throughout her final illness, recorded this exchange in letters to family. The account appears in the 1870 family memoir compiled by her nephew from Cassandra's correspondence.
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