Before publication, Murray asks William Gifford to read Emma. Gifford, who also edits the Quarterly Review, praises the manuscript and offers to revise it for the press. These extracts are not a review of the published book. The later review of Emma was by Walter Scott; Jane’s response is in Reading the review of Emma.

William Gifford to John Murray

SEP 29, 1815

“I have read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ again—’tis very good—wretchedly printed, and so pointed as to be almost unintelligible. Make no apology for sending me anything to read or revise. I am always happy to do either, in the thought that it may be useful to you.”

* * * * *

“Of ‘Emma,’ I have nothing but good to say. I was sure of the writer before you mentioned her. The MS., though plainly written, has yet some, indeed many little omissions; and an expression may now and then be amended in passing through the press. I will readily undertake the revision.”

‘Pointed’ means punctuated. Gifford’s offer to revise Emma does not establish which changes were adopted, or which edition of Pride and Prejudice he used.

These are two extracts from one letter. The five stars mark the printed source’s omission; this is not a complete letter.

Extract from Samuel Smiles, A Publisher and His Friends (1891), volume I, p. 282.