Emma is based on a book by an English playwright.
Benjamin `` Ben '' Jonson ( c. 11 June 1572 -- 6 August 1637 ) was an English playwright , poet , actor , and literary critic of the 17th century , whose artistry exerted a lasting impact upon English poetry and stage comedy . Emma , by Jane Austen , is a novel about youthful hubris and the perils of misconstrued romance .