Thanks to its tightly paced, intricately plotted narrative and its astute psychological characterisation, Emma is commonly thought to be Jane Austen's finest novel. In the twelve chapters of this volume, leading Austen scholars illuminate some of its richest themes and topics, including money and rank, setting and community, music and riddles, as well as its style and structure. The context of Emma is also thoroughly explored, from its historical and literary roots through its publication and contemporary reception to its ever-growing international popularity in the form of translations and adaptations. Equally useful as an introduction for new students and as a research aid for mature scholars, this Companion reveals why Emma is a novel that only improves on re-reading, and gives the lie to Austen's famous speculation that in Emma Woodhouse she had created 'a heroine whom no one but myself will much like'.

'The Cambridge Companion to Emma celebrates and illuminates the surprises, complexities and revelations of Jane Austen's fourth novel. … The twelve contributors to this Cambridge Companion, together with their editor, are fond of Emma too and their ideas are sure to delight any reader's mind.'

Source: Jane Austen Society of the United Kingdom Newsletter

'The editor, Peter Sabor, has collected a stellar international line up of contributors; indeed, when the contributor lists for the three Austen Cambridge Companion volumes are put together, they read like a Who’s Who of nearly every prominent academic who has published in the field in the past twenty years … The Cambridge Companion to Emma covers vast amounts of ground with lightness and liveliness, offering the reader the information they need in the way that they need it.'

Helena Kelly Source: Notes and Queries

'In The Cambridge Companion to Emma, Peter Sabor brings together twelve insightful essays that will appeal to first-time readers as well as to re-readers, for each author presents a detailed analysis that contributes to a deeper appreciation of Emma. … The essays in The Cambridge Companion to Emma form a supplement that will sit comfortably on the shelf next to Austen’s novels.’

Laurie Kaplan Source: Newsletter of the Jane Austen Society of North America