Emma by Jane Austen is a novel published in 1815 that centers around Emma Woodhouse, a young woman from the landed gentry who is beautiful, intelligent, and somewhat spoiled. Emma is a precocious young woman who has misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities, which leads to several romantic misadventures. The novel is set in Highbury, England, in the early 19th century. Emma's mother died when she was young, and she has been the mistress of the house since her older sister got married. Emma is a classic novel that explores themes of love, social status, and the role of women in society.