Nepal, Dec. 24 -- When Jane Austen died in July 1817, aged just 41, she was buried in Winchester Cathedral. I moved to the city in 2025. As a lecturer in English literature, I have long researched and taught Austen's novels, so I was keen to visit her final resting place.

Austen's grave bears the words: "The benevolence of her heart, the sweetness of her temper, and the extraordinary endowments of her mind obtained the regard of all who knew her and the warmest love of her intimate connections."

I was surprised that the epitaph makes no mention of her writing. I was also amazed to discover a basket by her graveside, which was overflowing with handwritten letters addressed to Austen.

A quick glance through this correspondence showed me ...