Emma

'Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich...had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.' This comedy of manners, published in 1816, features Emma as an avowed spinster and matchmaker, who is convinced that she knows best who should marry whom. And despite Austen's own doubts, the charming and infuriating heroine is a favourite of many readers. Having almost ruined the prospects of Harriet Smith, her protegee, and been reprimanded by her good friend, George Knightley, Emma finally learns a little humility. She also comes to some surprising conclusions about love and marriage.