By Nidhi Kinhal

What do you know about Jane Austen? She apparently wrote over 90,000 words in the form of poems, satire and stories as a teen, Irish lawyer Tom Lefroy’s family rejected Jane Austen because her family had no money (after which she wrote Pride and Prejudice in which her protagonist overcomes her social status), and she earned only £650 from all of her novels in total.

It’s what we learnt after a cool intriguing video by History Bombs (who have previously made one on Sherlock Holmes) shot in her home county, makes plain how like many other authors, her personal life and constraints shaped her literary career. It draws from her popular novels like Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Emma whose characters peddle her own life-story forward.

Born in Hampshire on 16 December, 1775, Jane Austen is often called England’s favourite author. Her 200th death anniversary, which was on 18 July this year, celebrated her work and legacy, and even witnessed the release of a new £10 note featuring her. To many who have loved her, it’s no surprise that her sharp social commentary, complex and well-written female protagonists, and breezy sass continues to be relevant. But for the ‘History of Jane Austen (In One Take)’ video that profiles her in a uniquely British-mixed-with-modern-rap way, the reason she’s so timeless is because, “modern young men are so spineless!” Hah.

Her legacy has travelled to movies, plays and other adaptations, and the ‘brave and British’ female icon’s profile also has a special appearance by… zombies. In a world where celebrated male authors actually made their wives do their work, it’s important to recognise Austen as a trailblazer. Besides, the rhyme will get you groovin’. Watch the lively little film, here: