3 volumes, 12mo (171 x 103 mm). Paper watermarked "1815" or "BUDGEN 1815". (Lacking half-titles; a few small spots, light browning to a few quires.) 20th-century red straight-grained morocco gilt, turn-ins with gilt thistle roll-tooling, top edge gilt, others untrimmed, stamp-signed by C. J. Sawyer. (A few tiny scuffs). 

FIRST EDITION, written by Austen from 21 January 1814 to 29 March 1815 at Chawton. Henry Austen conducted negotiations with John Murray concerning the publication.  Following her visit to Carlton House, Austen dedicated the novel to the Prince Regent at the suggestion of the Prince's librarian, who thought it an appropriate acknowledgement for the kindness shown her by the Prince. After a number of printing delays, the novel was finally published in late December 1815 at her own expense, with profits going to Austen after payment of a 10 percent commission to John Murray.

In his review of Emma, Sir Walter Scott noted: "We therefore bestow no mean compliment upon the author of Emma, when we say that...she has produced sketches of such spirit and originality that we never miss the excitation which depends upon the narrative of uncommon events." Gilson A8; Keynes p. 14; Sadleir I, 62d.