Henry Austen

Henry Austen was a British banker, British Army officer, and writer, best known for being the brother of renowned novelist Jane Austen. He was born in Steventon, Hampshire, England, to Reverend George Austen and Cassandra Austen (née Leigh), and was the third of eight children, including Jane Austen, Cassandra Austen, Francis Austen, and Charles Austen. Henry Austen's life was closely tied to the lives of his siblings, particularly Jane Austen, who often sought his advice on her writing. He was also acquainted with notable figures such as Humphry Repton, Lord Byron, and Walter Scott.

● Early Life and Education

Henry Austen was educated at Reading Grammar School and later attended St John's College, Oxford, where he studied alongside William Wilberforce and William Pitt the Younger. During his time at Oxford University, he developed a strong interest in literature and writing, which was encouraged by his sister Jane Austen and their cousin, Eliza de Feuillide. After completing his education, Henry Austen joined the British Army and served in the 15th Hussars regiment, which was commanded by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. He also became friends with Duke of Wellington and Horatio Nelson, who were prominent figures in the Napoleonic Wars.

● Career

Henry Austen's career as a banker began when he joined the firm of Cubbitt & Co. in London. He later became a partner in the firm and played a key role in its operations, working closely with Barings Bank and Rothschild & Co.. However, the firm faced financial difficulties and eventually went bankrupt, leading Henry Austen to declare bankruptcy in 1816. He then turned to writing and became a contributor to The Quarterly Review, where he published articles on various topics, including literature and politics, alongside notable writers such as William Hazlitt and Thomas De Quincey. Henry Austen's writing career was also influenced by his friendships with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey, and William Wordsworth.

● Literary Contributions

Henry Austen's literary contributions are often overshadowed by those of his sister Jane Austen, but he was a talented writer in his own right. He wrote several articles and reviews for The Quarterly Review, including a notable review of Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. Henry Austen also assisted his sister Jane Austen in publishing her novels, including Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, which were published by Thomas Egerton and John Murray (publisher). He was also acquainted with other notable writers of the time, including Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron, who were part of the Romantic movement in literature.

● Personal Life

Henry Austen's personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He married Eliza de Feuillide in 1797, but she died in 1813 after a long illness. He later married Fanny Palmer in 1820, with whom he had several children. Henry Austen was also close to his sister Jane Austen and her family, including her niece Fanny Knight and her brother Francis Austen. He was a frequent visitor to Chawton House, where Jane Austen lived, and was known to have provided her with advice and support throughout her writing career. Henry Austen was also friends with Humphry Repton, who designed the gardens at Chawton House, and William Cobbett, who was a prominent figure in English politics.

● Legacy

Henry Austen's legacy is closely tied to that of his sister Jane Austen, but he also made significant contributions to literature and banking in his own right. His writing and reviews were widely read and respected during his lifetime, and he played an important role in promoting the work of other writers, including Walter Scott and Lord Byron. Henry Austen's life and career also provide valuable insights into the social and cultural context of the late 18th century and early 19th century, including the Napoleonic Wars and the Regency era. Today, Henry Austen is remembered as a talented writer, banker, and member of the Austen family, which includes notable figures such as Jane Austen, Cassandra Austen, Francis Austen, and Charles Austen. Category:English bankers Category:English writers Category:Austen family