AUSTEN, Jane (1775-1817). Emma. London: for John Murray, 1816. 3 volumes, 12mo (164 x 100 mm). Half-titles, 1p. publisher's advertisements on verso of final leaf in vol. III, watermarks dated 1815. (Lacking final blank vol. I, a few minor stains.) 20th-century brown morocco gilt, edges gilt, stamp-signed by Riviere & Sons (upper cover to vol.I detached, some light wear to corners and joints). Provenance: C. E. Hay (early signature on half-titles); Eugene Grosman (bookplate).FIRST EDITION, with half-titles in each volume. In his review of Austen's novel, Sir Walter Scott comments, "we therefore bestow no mean compliment upon the author of Emma, when we say that... she has produced sketches of such spirit and originality that we never miss the excitation which depends upon the narrative of uncommon events." After numerous publishing delays, Austen self-financed the publication of Emma, paying printer John Murray a 10 percent commission and retaining the rest of the profits.