Emma: A Novel
- London: John Murray, 1816
London: John Murray, 1816. First Edition. Near Fine. First edition, first printing of Austen's beloved fourth novel and the last to be published during her short lifetime. [vi], 322; [ii], 351, [1, printer's imprint]; [iv], 363, [1, publisher's adverts]. Three volumes uniformly bound in emerald green straight-grain morocco finely tooled and lettered in gilt, with inner gilt dentelles; all edges gilt. Near Fine with top quarter-inch of title page renewed in volume I not affecting text, likely removing a former owner's name. Small closed tear neatly repaired to inner margin of volume III title-page, irregular patch of soiling to 126-138 pp. at volume III; light toning to contents. A fetching set, housed in a custom morocco and cloth clamshell case.
Published on December 29th, 1815 and dedicated with Austen's reluctant permission to the Prince Regent on request of the royal Librarian James Clarke, "2000 copies were printed, and of these the records show that 1248 were sold by October 1816" (Gilson).
Headstrong, spoiled, but ultimately a self-aware heroine, Emma remains a beloved character best known for her meddlesome matchmaking, hyper-independence, biting wit and imperfection. Celebrated for it's wit, clever examination of human nature and satire, Emma continues to resonate two centuries later with modern audiences and Janeites the world over. Gilson A8. Sadleir 62d.
Details
Title
Emma: A Novel
Author
Austen, Jane
Condition
Near Fine
Publisher
John Murray: London
Date
1816
Edition
First Edition