Emma

by Jane Austen

A. Walton Litz (Introduction)

Emma (1816) is Jane Austen's most characteristic work. Convinced that she understands the world, Emma rules over her invalid father and the small social circle of Highbury with well-meaning tyranny. But she is highly fallible where love is concerned, and her failings there cause many misunderstandings - as well as giving the reader much enjoyment as order is restored. In her new introduction to this edition Terry Castle examines the pleasure given by Emma's reassuringly stable world and by its comedy, and examines the relationships, imagery, and continuing power of Austen's perhaps greatest novel.

• ISBN10: 0679601937
• ISBN13: 9780679601937
• Publish Date: 28 November 1995 (first published 1 December 1815)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 3 October 2008
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Random House Inc
• Edition: New edition
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 158
• Language: English

Reviews

[Berls]

This reread only took me almost 2 months! But I enjoyed it and am reminded why I love Jane Austen.

[MurderByDeath]

Well, Ms. Austen completely succeeds in her efforts to create a heroine that you both like and want to strangle at the same time (if indeed that was her design).  Given the complete mess she makes playing with those around her, Emma hardly deserves to have anything go well for herself, yet I was cheering for her just the same.   I found the book to be a bit long, and the dialog many times so tiresome I actually yelled at the speakers to "shut up!" (listening to audio edition)  but the narration was outstanding, and for anyone looking for a good audio version of the book, I can recommend this one without reservation.   Needless to say, this will remain at the bottom of my Jane Austen rankings and Pride and Prejudice will remain firmly at the top.

[clairelm]

Although I preferred Emma to Northanger Abbey, I can't actually say I like the book. As a character, I find Emma to be difficult to empathise with and her father even worse. It may be just me but I find it hard to get on with books where I don't like the main character.
As a piece of classic fiction, it's fine but as I story I just haven't enjoyed it.

[Eve1972]

Enjoyed this one!