An electron emission device is employed as an electron emission source in various applications using an electron beam. The electron emission device has a cathode layer having an edge, and a control electrode spaced and electrically insulated from the cathode layer, for drawing electrons from said edge of the cathode layer. When a voltage is applied between the cathode layer and the control electrode, a developed electric field is concentrated on the edge of the cathode layer to cause the edge to emit electrons. The electron emission device can easily be manufactured with a high yield since it does not have a needle tip for emitting electrons. A method of manufacturing the electron emission device is also disclosed.