Emma is used to ruling over the social lives of those living in Highbury, but she has a lesson to learn about trying to co-ordinate other people's lives and actions a little too much. Emma is an exquisitely crafted portrait of late 18th century society, generally considered to be Austen's most accomplished work. Set within the confines of a Surrey village it casts a penetrating but amusing eye on the polite, sometimes claustrophobic life of the local inhabitants. memorable characters include Emma Woodhouse, self-appointed meddling matchmaker, who stands to lose out on love herself, social climbing vicar Mr Elton, and desirable bachelor Mr Knightley.
