Jane Austen At Home 2 (Pages 20 - 42)

Jane Austen grew up in a household of boys except for her mother and her sister Cassandra.

James Austen was her oldest brother, and he tried to have a literary career with little success. James Austen (1765 – 1819) was an English clergyman, best known for being the eldest brother of celebrated novelist Jane Austen. His father George Austen's living had been in Steventon, Hampshire, and James succeeded him in this position, in 1801. He published a weekly periodical called The Loiterer, and wrote much of its content. 

Henry was Jane's favourite brother. Henry Thomas Austen (8 June 1771 – 12 March 1850) was a British militia officer, clergyman, banker and the brother of the novelist Jane Austen.

Edward, the third son, was eventually adopted by the Austens' cousins, Thomas and Catherine Knight, who were childless. Edward Austen Knight (7 October 1767 – 19 November 1852) was the third eldest brother of Jane Austen, and provided her with the use of a cottage in Chawton where she lived for the last years of her life. When Edward was twelve years old he was presented to Thomas and Catherine Knight, who were relatives of his father and were wealthy. Thomas had given George Austen the living at Steventon in 1761. They were childless and took an interest in Edward, making him their legal heir in about 1783.

Frank Austen went to join the navy. Admiral of the Fleet Sir Francis William Austen (23 April 1774 – 10 August 1865) was a Royal Navy officer and an elder brother of the novelist Jane Austen.

Like Francis, Charles was also an officer in the navy. Rear Admiral Charles John Austen (23 June 1779 – 7 October 1852) was an officer in the Royal Navy and the youngest brother of novelist Jane Austen.

There is another brother, George, who suffered from fits and was sent to a foster family.