First publication of Jane Austen's Emma

Publication Details. Emma was submitted to the London publisher John Murray II in the autumn of 1815. The first publication occurred in December 1815, but the title page was dated 1816. It was issued as a three-volume set in duodecimo format, sold for £1.1s (one guinea) per set. This publication followed the moderate success of Austen's earlier anonymously published novels.

Dedication and Context. In November 1815, the Prince Regent's librarian invited Austen to visit the Prince's London residence, hinting she should dedicate the forthcoming Emma to him. This resulted in a dedication to the Prince Regent at the time of publication. A dedication copy of the novel was sent to Carlton House in December 1815, coinciding with the book's release.

Contemporary Reception. Sir Walter Scott wrote an anonymous review of Emma in 1815, praising Austen's realism. A review requested by John Murray prior to publication appeared in March 1816 in the Quarterly Review, though the journal date was October 1815. The novel became fashionable among young aristocratic opinion-makers, though Austen did not achieve public fame during her lifetime.

Anonymous Publication. Jane Austen's novels, including Emma, were published anonymously during her lifetime. This anonymity meant that her works brought her little personal renown, despite being fashionable among opinion-makers. Most reviews of her novels were short and on balance favourable, although superficial and cautious, most often focused on the moral lessons of the novels.