Emma: An Annotated Edition

Handsome, clever, and rich—just like Emma.

Emma is one of Jane Austen’s most beloved novels, and perhaps her most technically accomplished. It’s a timeless tale of friendship, self-discovery, and love. Inspiring countless adaptations for stage and screen, Emma is the story of a smart but superficial girl who finds her ultimate happiness through humility. If we loved this extraordinary edition less, we might be able to talk about it more.

For beginners and experts alike—immerse yourself in Jane Austen’s world: For the modern reader, our annotations provide clear explanations and illuminating context for period language and references. For the enthusiast, they offer fresh, exciting analysis—a passionate friend in the margins.

A work of art—the ideal gift: Perfect for gifting, collecting, and cherishing, this grand hardcover (9” x 9.5”) brims with hundreds of full-color illustrations that vividly recreate Austen’s world—its fashions, carriages, libraries, and estates.

The story: Emma Woodhouse is in no rush to find a husband. She’s “handsome, clever, and rich,” with “very little to distress or vex her,” and more than a little spoiled. Fancying herself a matchmaker, Emma insinuates herself into others’ lives, mostly ignorant of the risks. When her headstrong nature causes hurt to others, she is corrected by the older, down-to-earth Mr. Knightley. After weaving herself unwittingly into a number of love triangles, Emma is forced to confront her feelings for her only critic.

Whether explaining the intricacies of early nineteenth-century dinner etiquette or speculating on Highbury’s deliberately imprecise geographical location, Tandon serves as a delightful and entertaining guide. For those coming to the novel for the first time or those returning to it, Emma: An Annotated Edition offers a valuable portal to Austen’s world.