250 years after her birth and over 200 since her death, writer Jane Austen’s book are seeing their best sales in fifteen years. According to NielsenIQ Bookdata, in the first 28 weeks of 2025, more than 78,000 Austen novels were sold compared to 64,000 last year and 60,000 in 2023. This year would therefore put Austen well on track for the best sales since 2009, the year that the four-part BBC TV drama adaptation of her novel, Emma was first released.
Austen’s works are currently experiencing a significant increase in sales, which are being attributed to the industry’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth with publications of special editions, as well as events and exhibitions celebrating her work. In the events space, Austen’s House in Chawton is hosting a range of Austen-inspired events, including a series of festivals focused on different novels, Chatsworth House – the inspiration for Mr Darcy’s estate, Pemberley – is holding talks, performances, afternoon tea and embroidery classes, and the place of Austen’s death is open to the public for the first time.
On the publishing side of things, one particular limited-edition publication of Austen’s works has attracted a lot of attention. The new Folio Society of her completed novels which will launch in September, and will be sold for a staggering £925. On average, The Folio Society’s limited editions sell out in four hours, so it is likely this Austen limited Edition will also sell quickly.
James Rose, head of editorial at The Folio Society, told The Bookseller: “Austen has remained relevant to people for over 200 years and different people find different things to love in her – that’s the greatness of Austen. Because of that, there’s a broad base and I do expect it [the new Folio Society collected novels of Jane Austen] to be popular.”
Whatever edition readers choose though, it is universally acknowledged that Austen’s works have an enduring quality with Pride and Prejudice selling over 20 million copies globally, modern sales estimating Sense and Sensibility sales at roughly 10 million worldwide. It is no wonder Austen so often finds herself in lists of top 100 books of all time, with a legacy spanning over 200 years.
