The definitive text of Jane Austen's penetrating and sparkling satire, "Emma", this "Penguin Classics Edition" includes an introduction by Fiona Stafford. Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, rich - and fiercely independent - is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the advice of her good friend Mr Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her pretty, naive Harriet Smith, her well-laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine, and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, "Emma" is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work. Edited with an introduction by Fiona Stafford, this edition includes a chronology, additional suggestions for further reading, and the original "Penguin Classics" introduction by Tony Tanner. Jane Austen (1775-1817) was extremely modest about her own genius but has become one of English literature's most famous women writers. Austen began writing at a young age, embarking on what is possibly her best-known work, Pride and Prejudice, at the age of 22. She was also the author of "Sense and Sensibility", "Persuasion", "Northanger Abbey" and "Mansfield Park". If you enjoyed "Emma", you may like Charlotte Bronte's "Villette", also available in "Penguin Classics". "These modern editions are to be strongly recommended for their scrupulous texts, informative notes and helpful introductions." (Brian Southam, the Jane Austen Society). "The author of "Emma"...has produced sketches of such spirit and originality that .. in this class she stands almost alone." (Sir Walter Scott).