Emma

6b Jane Austen. Illustrated by Hugh Thomson. London: Macmillan and Co., 1901.

Notes

Emma, first published in 1815, is one of Jane Austen’s most accomplished novels, offering a lively and insightful portrayal of social life in Regency England. The story centers on Emma Woodhouse, a clever and confident young woman who prides herself on her ability to arrange the romantic lives of those around her. Her well-intentioned matchmaking, however, leads to a series of misunderstandings that ultimately reveal her own limitations and prompt personal growth. Through wit, irony, and keen observation, Austen explores themes of self-awareness, social class, and the complexities of relationships.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist whose penetrating observations of society, masterful irony, and sophisticated portrayals of human relationships established her among the most influential writers in literary history. Born in Steventon, Hampshire, Austen grew up in a literary household and began writing at an early age, developing a distinctive style that combined social satire with psychological insight. During her lifetime, she published four novels—Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1815)—all anonymously, while Northanger Abbey and Persuasion appeared together after her death. Although her novels primarily examine the domestic lives and marriage prospects of women in Georgian England, their exploration of independence, morality, economic security, and personal happiness extends far beyond their historical setting. Austen’s literary reputation grew considerably after her death, and her six completed novels remain widely read, studied, and adapted, securing her legacy as one of the most celebrated authors in the English language.

Description

Salmon canvas boards with three quarter matching leather. Floral motifs in gilt in each compartment in the spine. Gilt lettering in the second and third compartments. Top edge gilt. Marbled endpapers. Illustrated with frontispiece by Hugh Thomson. Fine condition.