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First fully illustrated edition. This was the first edition to feature illustrations accompanying the text, as Bentley's 1833 edition and subsequent printings had featured only a frontispiece and vignette title page. Thomson's "light touch and feeling for period manners provide a charming and accessible gloss to the author's work" (ODNB). Emma was first published in 1816 and was the last of Austen's novels to be published in her lifetime. Thomson also provided the illustrations for the 1894 George Allen "Peacock Edition" of Pride and Prejudice, the design of which is mirrored in the endpapers. Octavo (180 x 121 mm). Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in greenish-blue morocco, spine lettered and decorated with centre tool, raised bands, twin rule to turn-ins gilt, blue fan patterned endpapers, gilt edges. Black and white illustrated frontispiece and 39 full-page illustrations by Thomson. Minor spotting to prelims, an excellent copy. Gilson E86.

Emma Woodhouse is a young, beautiful, witty, and privileged woman in Regency England who, from the comfort of her large estate, amuses herself with matchmaking schemes for her friends and acquaintances. With no intention to marry herself, Emma's actions often backfire, causing distress among her circle and highlighting the societal challenges and limitations of the time. Despite her flaws and missteps, Emma experiences a journey of personal growth and self-awareness.