Books

London: J.M. Dent & Co., 1907. 6 vols, 8vo, pp. [iii]-xiv, 336; [iii]-x, 206, [2]; viii, 308; viii, 396; viii, 395, [1]; viii, 216 + 24 colour plates in each vol. (including frontispiece and illustrated title-page). Four volumes with tissue guards between frontispiece and title-page, two without. Original pale greenish cloth, spines and front boards elaborately blocked in gilt. A few marks, spine ends bumped, some hinges strained (more so to Pride & Prejudice). Gift inscriptions to initial blank or half-title in each vol., from Roland L’E Bryce to Miss Bessie Allan, dated Nov. 14th 1918, the first vol. specifying ‘in grateful remembrance of her loyal and unflagging co-operation from August 1917 to November 1918’. A very nice set of Austen’s works with new watercolour illustrations by C. E. Brock. Brock and his brother Henry had split the work of illustrating Dent’s 1898 10-volume set of Austen’s works, the first to have colour…

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.