Books

Uniformly bound in half-calf leather, the books are from the "Macmillan's illustrated standard novels" series which first appeared from 1895-1897. These volumes are reprints from 1898, 1909, 1910, 1913 and 1914. Line illustrations are mostly by Hugh Thomson, one by Charles E Brock. The leather hinges are supple and show no tendancy to crack or split. There is some edge fade of the crimson colour on many of the boards to a greater or lesser extent, the spines have faded to a uniform nutty brown. A couple of the fore-corners have minor bumps. No wear or fraying to the corners. The gilt titling and tooling is bright and solid, a couple of the boards have some indents to the leather, and one board has a partial cupring mark. The text blocks are in amazing condition, free of ownermarks or foxing or such, with brilliant and very high quality gilt edging. Attractive marbled endpapers round off the excellence of the bindings. This set displays superbly on the shelf, and everything is robust and ready for reading pleasure. Size: 8vo.

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.