Emma thinks she knows what is best for everybody, including herself. This is one of many editions of this 1815 novel. Emma, when first published in 1816, was written when Jane Austen was at the height of her powers. In it, we have her two greatest comic creations -- the eccentric Mr. Woodhouse and that quintessential bore, Miss Bates. In it, too, we have her most profound characterization: the witty, imaginative, self-deluded Emma, a heroine the author declared "no one but myself will much like," but who has been much loved by generations of readers. Delightfully funny, full of rich irony, Emma is regarded as one of Jane Austen's finest achievements.
Jane Austen
Jane Austen was an English novelist born in 1775 in Hampshire, England. She is best known for her novels which explore the lives and manners of the English gentry in the early 19th century. Austen's most notable works include "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma." Her writing style is characterized by wit, social commentary, and keen observation of human nature. Austen's works have had a lasting impact on the literary genre of the novel, particularly in the development of the comedy of manners. Her most famous work, "Pride and Prejudice," is considered a classic of English literature and continues to be widely read and studied today. Austen's contributions to literature include her insightful portrayal of characters and relationships, her exploration of the role of women in society, and her enduring appeal to readers of all ages.