"Contexts and Contemporary Reactions" illuminates eighteenth-century culture with selections from conduct books for women. Extracts from Burney s letters and journals and five contemporary reviews are also included. "Criticism" presents a superb selection of critical writing about the novel. The critics include Anna Letitia Barbauld, William Hazlitt, John Wilson Croker, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Virginia Woolf, Joyce Hemlow, Martha G. Brown, Kenneth W. Graham, Kristina Straub, Gina Campbell, Susan Fraiman, amd Margaret Anne Doody. A Chronology and Selected Bibliography are included."

In Evelina or the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World, the title character leaves her isolated country home for vibrant London society. As she stumbles through the city, she encounters many people including the handsome, Lord Orville. Evelina is a young woman who's spent her entire childhood in seclusion. Although the legitimate daughter of Sir John Belmont, she was raised in the country with Reverend Villars. When Evelina is offered a chance to visit London, she quickly accepts the opportunity. Upon her arrival, her questionable origins and naivete make her a target for rumors and speculation. Despite her unconventional ways, she catches the eye of nobleman, Lord Orville and tries to navigate formal rules of society and courtship. Evelina or the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World is a compelling story bursting with humor and romanticism. The author beautifully weaves multiple characters and arcs into one satisfying narrative. Originally published in 1778, Evelina maintains its refreshing outlook on contemporary life. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Evelina is both modern and readable.

'Lord Orville did me the honour to hand me to the coach, talking all the way of the honour I had done him! O these fashionable people!' Frances Burney's first and most enduringly popular novel is a vivid, satirical, and seductive account of the pleasures and dangers of fashionable life in late eighteenth-century London. As she describes her heroine's entry into society, womanhood and, inevitably, love, Burney exposes the vulnerability of female innocence in an image-conscious and often cruel world where social snobbery and sexual aggression are played out in the public arenas of pleasure-gardens, theatre visits, and balls. But Evelina's innocence also makes her a shrewd commentator on the excesses and absurdities of manners and social ambitions - as well as attracting the attention of the eminently eligible Lord Orville. Evelina, comic and shrewd, is at once a guide to fashionable London, a satirical attack on the new consumerism, an investigation of women's position in the late eighteenth century, and a love story. The new introduction and full notes to this edition help make this richness all the more readily available to a modern reader. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

This Broadview edition pairs two of Frances Burney's linked comedies. They both present the character of Lady Smatter, a "femme savante" whose lineage may be traced back to Moliere; they both centre on the misfortunes of the "elle" figure, the dispossessed heiress and wife who appears frequently in Burney's fiction; and they both criticize a culture of misogyny that breeds suspicion and resentment. The Witlings, lighter and more comic, derives from late seventeenth-century conventions; The Woman-Hater, more melodramatic, both expresses and warns against the excessive sensibility of romanticism. Together, these two plays constitute a miniature history of English drama from the Restoration to the French Revolution and beyond. This edition contains a valuable selection of appendices, including: Burney's "Epilogue to Gerilda"; letters and diary entries; contemporary writings on comedy; and Burney's cast-list for The Woman-Hater.

The Penguin English Library Edition of Evelina by Frances Burney 'O Sir, how much uneasiness must I suffer, to counterbalance one short morning of happiness!' In this comic and sharply incisive satire of excess and affectations, beautiful young Evelina falls victim to the rakish advances of Sir Clement Willoughby on her entrance to the world of fashionable London. Colliding with the manners and customs of a society she doesn't understand, she finds herself without hope that she should ever deserve the attention of the man she loves. Frances Burney's first novel brilliantly sends up eighteenth-century society - and its opinions of women - while enticingly depicting its delights. The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth (1796) is a novel by Frances Burney. Both satirical and serious, comedic and Gothic, Burney's novel helped establish her reputation as one of the most popular writers of eighteenth-century England. Referred to in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey (1803) and Maria Edgeworth's Belinda (1801), Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth was a popular and critically acclaimed novel that served as inspiration for some of the leading literary figures of the early nineteenth century. After years of silence, Mr. Augustus Tyrold moves to the rural estate of Cleves to be near his brother Sir Hugh, who lives at a local parsonage. Lonely and crippled, Sir Hugh hopes to act as a mentor to his nieces and nephews. He takes a liking to Camilla, the middle daughter, and endeavors to make her his heiress while raising her in his own household. Although initially cautious, Mr. and Mrs. Tyrold eventually send Camilla to live at Sir Hugh's home, where her uncle decides to host her tenth birthday party. When a lapse in judgement leads to Camilla's younger sister contracting smallpox, Sir Hugh attempts to remedy the situation by naming Eugenia his heiress instead. Living with her uncle, Eugenia enjoys an unusually thorough education under the tutelage of Dr. Orkbourne, a classical scholar who quickly takes to the enthusiastic and intelligent young girl. Meanwhile, Camilla becomes entangled in a love triangle involving her father's ward Edgar and her cousin Indiana. Despite the mutual affection between Edgar and Camilla, Indiana has entertained the thought of marrying the handsome, wealthy man from a young age, when Sir Hugh thought it prudent to predict their future marriage. As Sir Hugh's plans for the Tyrold youths meet increasingly serious obstacles, and as debts threaten the wellbeing of the entire family, Camilla is forced to navigate a world in which decisions seem always to be made in her interest by those with their own in mind. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frances Burney's Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Wanderer or Female Difficulties follows a woman fleeing France to escape a painful past, only to be met with new obstacles along the way. It's an honest depiction of eighteenth-century life without the presence of political or familial support. A wandering woman emigrates to England to escape the violent uprising of 1790s France. With no friends or family, she must find work and connect with others for assistance. Her lack of finances and social status leave her vulnerable to the whims of wealthy employers. Despite her situation, the woman becomes involved with a man who's unaware of her troubled past. She struggles to maintain her privacy as the truth becomes harder to hide. The Wanderer or Female Difficulties highlights the flaws of English society built on politics and patriarchy. One woman's survival depends on the kindness or cruelty of others. It's a glaring injustice, that forces her to make light of dire circumstances. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Wanderer or Female Difficulties is both modern and readable.

Though she is an orphan, Cecilia Beverly is an heiress to a small fortune, which she may keep under the stipulation from her uncle that when Cecilia marries, she will keep her Beverly name, asking her future husband to adopt it as well. After she leaves for London to stay with her guardians, she realizes that each of the three families left to care for her are greedy and vain people. Before arriving to the first pair of guardians, the Harrels, Cecilia visits their friend, Mr. Monckton, for breakfast. Mr. Monckton is stunned when he meets the beautiful, intelligent and wealthy Miss Beverly and is upset that he has married for money instead of waiting to meet a woman like Cecilia. Cecilia knows nothing of his admirations and attends a masquerade ball thrown by Mrs. Harrel. At the masquerade she is unable to meet people because a man dressed as a black demon is following and chasing others away. After she is rescued by a mysterious man masquerading as White Domino, it becomes a pattern in her social life. This man rescues Cecilia again at the opera when two men are fighting over her. She learns his identity is Mortimer Delvile and after spending time with his family, Cecilia begins to fall in love. Unfortunately, Mortimer believes she is engaged to one of the many suitors trying to win her favor. Cecilia must overcome the manipulation and extortion from her guardians and dangerous admirers in order to protect her fortune and find real love. First published in 1782, Cecilia; or Memoirs of an Heiress by Frances Burney is an exciting and wonderful romance. With themes of true love, class, and morality, Cecilia; or Memoirs of an Heiress satirizes the society it is set in. With captivating characters and a compelling plot, this 18th century romance is timeless. This edition of Cecilia; or, Memoirs of an Heiress by Frances Burney features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring Cecilia: or, Memoirs of an Heiress to modern standards while preserving the tender romance and satirical genius of Frances Burney's work.

Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth (1796) is a novel by Frances Burney. Both satirical and serious, comedic and Gothic, Burney's novel helped establish her reputation as one of the most popular writers of eighteenth-century England. Referred to in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey (1803) and Maria Edgeworth's Belinda (1801), Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth was a popular and critically acclaimed novel that served as inspiration for some of the leading literary figures of the early nineteenth century. After years of silence, Mr. Augustus Tyrold moves to the rural estate of Cleves to be near his brother Sir Hugh, who lives at a local parsonage. Lonely and crippled, Sir Hugh hopes to act as a mentor to his nieces and nephews. He takes a liking to Camilla, the middle daughter, and endeavors to make her his heiress while raising her in his own household. Although initially cautious, Mr. and Mrs. Tyrold eventually send Camilla to live at Sir Hugh's home, where her uncle decides to host her tenth birthday party. When a lapse in judgement leads to Camilla's younger sister contracting smallpox, Sir Hugh attempts to remedy the situation by naming Eugenia his heiress instead. Living with her uncle, Eugenia enjoys an unusually thorough education under the tutelage of Dr. Orkbourne, a classical scholar who quickly takes to the enthusiastic and intelligent young girl. Meanwhile, Camilla becomes entangled in a love triangle involving her father's ward Edgar and her cousin Indiana. Despite the mutual affection between Edgar and Camilla, Indiana has entertained the thought of marrying the handsome, wealthy man from a young age, when Sir Hugh thought it prudent to predict their future marriage. As Sir Hugh's plans for the Tyrold youths meet increasingly serious obstacles, and as debts threaten the wellbeing of the entire family, Camilla is forced to navigate a world in which decisions seem always to be made in her interest by those with their own in mind. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frances Burney's Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

In Evelina or the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World, the title character leaves her isolated country home for vibrant London society. As she stumbles through the city, she encounters many people including the handsome, Lord Orville. Evelina is a young woman who's spent her entire childhood in seclusion. Although the legitimate daughter of Sir John Belmont, she was raised in the country with Reverend Villars. When Evelina is offered a chance to visit London, she quickly accepts the opportunity. Upon her arrival, her questionable origins and naivete make her a target for rumors and speculation. Despite her unconventional ways, she catches the eye of nobleman, Lord Orville and tries to navigate formal rules of society and courtship. Evelina or the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World is a compelling story bursting with humor and romanticism. The author beautifully weaves multiple characters and arcs into one satisfying narrative. Originally published in 1778, Evelina maintains its refreshing outlook on contemporary life. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Evelina is both modern and readable.

The Wanderer or Female Difficulties follows a woman fleeing France to escape a painful past, only to be met with new obstacles along the way. It's an honest depiction of eighteenth-century life without the presence of political or familial support. A wandering woman emigrates to England to escape the violent uprising of 1790s France. With no friends or family, she must find work and connect with others for assistance. Her lack of finances and social status leave her vulnerable to the whims of wealthy employers. Despite her situation, the woman becomes involved with a man who's unaware of her troubled past. She struggles to maintain her privacy as the truth becomes harder to hide. The Wanderer or Female Difficulties highlights the flaws of English society built on politics and patriarchy. One woman's survival depends on the kindness or cruelty of others. It's a glaring injustice, that forces her to make light of dire circumstances. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Wanderer or Female Difficulties is both modern and readable.

Though she is an orphan, Cecilia Beverly is an heiress to a small fortune, which she may keep under the stipulation from her uncle that when Cecilia marries, she will keep her Beverly name, asking her future husband to adopt it as well. After she leaves for London to stay with her guardians, she realizes that each of the three families left to care for her are greedy and vain people. Before arriving to the first pair of guardians, the Harrels, Cecilia visits their friend, Mr. Monckton, for breakfast. Mr. Monckton is stunned when he meets the beautiful, intelligent and wealthy Miss Beverly and is upset that he has married for money instead of waiting to meet a woman like Cecilia. Cecilia knows nothing of his admirations and attends a masquerade ball thrown by Mrs. Harrel. At the masquerade she is unable to meet people because a man dressed as a black demon is following and chasing others away. After she is rescued by a mysterious man masquerading as White Domino, it becomes a pattern in her social life. This man rescues Cecilia again at the opera when two men are fighting over her. She learns his identity is Mortimer Delvile and after spending time with his family, Cecilia begins to fall in love. Unfortunately, Mortimer believes she is engaged to one of the many suitors trying to win her favor. Cecilia must overcome the manipulation and extortion from her guardians and dangerous admirers in order to protect her fortune and find real love. First published in 1782, Cecilia; or Memoirs of an Heiress by Frances Burney is an exciting and wonderful romance. With themes of true love, class, and morality, Cecilia; or Memoirs of an Heiress satirizes the society it is set in. With captivating characters and a compelling plot, this 18th century romance is timeless. This edition of Cecilia; or, Memoirs of an Heiress by Frances Burney features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring Cecilia: or, Memoirs of an Heiress to modern standards while preserving the tender romance and satirical genius of Frances Burney's work.