"Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." -- Opening line of "Emma" by Jane Austen
Do you have a favorite book by Jane Austen? "Pride and Prejudice" is the favorite of most people and "Emma" is the second favorite. I love them both, but seem to return to "Emma" more often. Maybe the reason for this is that no matter how misguided Emma is in her matchmaking pursuits, her heart is in the right place. And I love watching her grow and learn about herself. Her mistaken interpretations of people and the world around her lead to all kinds of problems, but at the end of the book when she changes and has learned about herself and others, we love her. And who can resist the moment when Emma realizes she is in love with Mr. Knightley! If you are a fan of Jane Austen or know someone who is, you will love this new annotated gift edition of "Emma" published by Harvard University Press. It would make a great holiday gift for anyone who loves classic books.
It opens with an old-fashioned map showing us the part of England where the small village of Highbury is supposed to be located. That is the spot where most of the action of the novel takes place and many of the details of the characters' lives in this small village are discussed in this new edition of "Emma." Throughout the book are illustrations and notes explaining subjects as varied as the English militia in the nineteenth-century, a woman's dowry, Regency clothing, a game of whist, nineteenth-century Bath, and Austen's use of language. There are beautiful paintings and illustrations throughout that help us picture the Regency-era world in which "Emma" takes place. This book is filled with gems. Look for the two different illustrations of Mr. Knightley's proposal to Emma from 19th-century editions of the book.
This is the kind of book you will want to dip into and read on a chilly fall or winter day, preferably with a cup of tea at your side and a fire burning in the fireplace. And once you get one for yourself, be sure to add it to your holiday gift list for anyone who loves books.
It opens with an old-fashioned map showing us the part of England where the small village of Highbury is supposed to be located. That is the spot where most of the action of the novel takes place and many of the details of the characters' lives in this small village are discussed in this new edition of "Emma." Throughout the book are illustrations and notes explaining subjects as varied as the English militia in the nineteenth-century, a woman's dowry, Regency clothing, a game of whist, nineteenth-century Bath, and Austen's use of language. There are beautiful paintings and illustrations throughout that help us picture the Regency-era world in which "Emma" takes place. This book is filled with gems. Look for the two different illustrations of Mr. Knightley's proposal to Emma from 19th-century editions of the book.
This is the kind of book you will want to dip into and read on a chilly fall or winter day, preferably with a cup of tea at your side and a fire burning in the fireplace. And once you get one for yourself, be sure to add it to your holiday gift list for anyone who loves books.
Tomorrow is the first day of autumn. Have a great weekend!