Claim: Emma is based on a book by an English novelist.

Emma , by Jane Austen , is a novel about youthful hubris and the perils of misconstrued romance . The novel was first published in December 1815 . As in her other novels , Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian -- Regency England ; she also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters .   Before she began the novel , Austen wrote , `` I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like . '' In the first sentence , she introduces the title character as `` Emma Woodhouse , handsome , clever , and rich . '' Emma is spoiled , headstrong , and self-satisfied ; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities ; she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people 's lives ; and her imagination and perceptions often lead her astray .   This novel has been adapted for several films , many television programs , and a long list of stage plays .