Sales of Persuasion and Northanger Abbey

Following the death of Jane Austen, her novels _Persuasion_ and _Northanger Abbey_ were published together, marking a significant moment in the recognition of her literary contributions. The publication was arranged by her sister Cassandra, brother Henry Austen, and the publisher Murray. This release included a Biographical Note by Henry Austen, which was the first instance of publicly identifying Jane Austen as the author of these works. This acknowledgment played a crucial role in establishing her legacy as a prominent novelist. The initial sales of the novels were strong, with only 321 copies remaining unsold by the end of the first year of publication. This indicates a positive reception from the reading public and suggests that Austen's works were gaining traction in the literary market, contributing to her posthumous fame and the eventual recognition of her as one of the foremost writers in English literature. The successful sales figures reflect the growing interest in her writing, which would continue to flourish in the years to come, influencing countless readers and writers alike.