Austen, Jane (1775-1817) English novelist often referred to
as the greatest woman writer. She is known for her brilliant
satire and her common- sense approach toward melodramatic
situations and ordinary human behavior.
Emma (1816)Another of Austen's novels dealing with courtship
and its complications, "Emma" is a social comedy that also
confronts the ideas of class and self-delusion. The story
follows the machinations of the wealthy heroine, Emma Woodhouse,
and her protegee, Harriet Smith, in their quest for spouses.
It is considered by many to be Austen's finest book.
