Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire has acquired a rare early example of a handwritten letter by the novelist after its sale was negotiated by Cambridge auction house Cheffins.
The letter offers an insight into Austen’s social circle, domestic life and the realities of travel in the late 18th century, all written with Austen’s engaging and frequently biting wit. Martin Millard of Cheffins described it as “lively, vivid, funny and a brilliant window into her personality”.
The letter to her sister Cassandra, dated 1798, came to Cheffins from the estate of a Cambridge collector who had acquired it 22 years ago from London dealer Bernard Quaritch. It is one of only around 160 Jane Austen letters to survive and is among the earliest in existence.