The most significant offering of Austen material to appear at auction.

Jane Austen: A Literary Legacy

Austen’s legacy continues to influence women writers to the present day. Sotheby’s is excited to offer six copies of Austen’s novels, annotated by legendary authors who have been shaped by Austen’s works. Proceeds of this sale will benefit the Women’s Prize.

All six of Austen’s novels, annotated by current authors. Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Prize.

Annotated Austens & The Women’s Prize

Annotated Austens

Manuscripts, objects, and images from the circle that reimagined art and letters in the 20th century—anchored by Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell, and illuminated by an emblematic jewel from the Vita–Violet saga.

Manuscripts, objects, and books from the circle that transformed modern literature.

Bloomsbury & Virginia Woolf

Elizabeth I’s December 1587 Instructions to Lord Howard and Sir Francis Drake, boldly signed “Elizabeth R,” authorized England’s naval defense on the eve of the Spanish Armada and stand as a defining relic of her reign.

This manuscript, signed by Elizabeth I, boldly sets out her 1587 naval orders.

The Armada Document

Works from women of the last century, from Joni Mitchell and J.K. Rowling to Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

Modern Women Breaking Boundaries

The attribution “By A Lady” — from which this sale gets its name — adorns the title page of Austen’s first novel, Sense and Sensibility. This decision added to a legacy of women writers who embraced various degrees of anonymity in their careers.

Material from generations of women writers who embraced degrees of anonymity in their careers.

What’s In A Name?

New York

SVP | Global Head of Books &amp; Manuscripts

Richard Austin

Senior Vice President | International Senior Specialist

Selby Kiffer

Vice President | Head of Department, Americas

Dr. Kalika Sands

Cataloguer

Fenella Theis

Specialist

Noah Goldrach

Associate Cataloguer

Emily Zas

Pre-Sale Coordinator

Gabriella Hetu

Meet our Specialists

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In 1811, Sense and Sensibility was published, and rather than Jane Austen’s name appearing as its author, the title-page simply read “By a Lady.” Now, Austen is one of the most widely-read authors in the Western canon. Born on 16 December 1775, in Steventon, England, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Sotheby’s is proud to present a cross-category sale that celebrates not only Austen, but other women who have pushed creative and intellectual boundaries over the last 250 years, and made lasting impressions on culture and thought. This October, “By a Lady” will highlight women authors, intellectuals, and artists working at the edges of their fields to create something remarkable.