Subject
Novelists, English -- 18th century -- Correspondence Books
Best books
Fanny Burney
The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 1
"The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 1" by Fanny Burney is a collection of personal writings that recount the author's experiences and observations during the late 18th century. The work introduces Frances Burney, who later becomes celebrated for her novels like "Evelina," as she navigates the complexities of life in both literary circles and the royal court. The diary presents rich insights into the social and literary landscapes of her time, highlighting her interactions with notable figures such as Dr. Johnson and George III. The opening of this volume outlines Burney's early life, detailing her upbringing in a musical family and her initial foray into writing. As the narrative unfolds, it captures the moment she achieves fame with the publication of her first novel, "Evelina," and follows her as she grapples with newfound popularity and the changes it incurs in her social life. This section also hints at her future struggles as she is drawn into court life, where her writing ambitions clash with the demands of her royal duties. Overall, the beginning paints a vivid portrait of a young woman caught between her literary aspirations and the constraints of her society, setting the stage for deeper explorations in subsequent entries.
Fanny Burney
The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 2
"The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 2" by Fanny Burney is a collection of personal writings created during the late 18th century. This volume continues the exploration of Frances Burney's life as a courtier, providing insights into her experiences, observations, and thoughts while serving in the royal household of King George III. The writings illustrate the intricacies of court life, along with social commentary and reflections on the events impacting her world. At the start of this volume, Madame D'Arblay recounts her experiences surrounding court duties and engagements, particularly during the royal birthdays and celebrations. The opening chapters reveal her internal dilemmas as she navigates formalities and expectations within the royal court, as well as her amusing encounters with fellow courtiers like Mr. Turbulent and Colonel Wellbred. We witness her observations of the royal family, her interactions with the Queen, and humorous incidents, including her struggles with court etiquette and sudden flurries of unexpected visitors. Overall, these early sections set the stage for an engaging mixture of personal emotion, social intrigue, and witty interactions characteristic of Burney's narrative style.
Fanny Burney
The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 3
"The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 3" by Fanny Burney is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This volume captures the life and experiences of Frances Burney during a tumultuous time, exploring themes of the French Revolution and its impact on both French and English society. The narrative chronicles her development and personal connections, including her marriage to M. D'Arblay, as well as her interactions with prominent figures of the time. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed examination of the French émigrés arriving at Juniper Hall, where Burney chronicles her observations and encounters with these refugees fleeing the Revolution's chaos. As she describes the arrival of various nobles and the circumstances surrounding their flight, the text reveals both the intimate and public struggles of these individuals, including their resilience and vulnerabilities in a foreign land. Burney's firsthand account provides a rich historical context, reflecting her emotional response to the events transpiring in France while also detailing her evolving personal life amidst these broader societal upheavals.
Laurence Sterne
The Journal to Eliza and Various letters by Laurence Sterne and Elizabeth Draper
"The Journal to Eliza and Various letters by Laurence Sterne and Elizabeth Draper" is a collection of correspondence written in 1767. In the final year of his life, the married clergyman Laurence Sterne developed an intense emotional bond with the young Elizabeth Draper. Their public affection sparked gossip in London society. After just three months together, Draper departed for India, and they never met again. They exchanged letters and kept private journals meant for each other's eyes. Most of their correspondence vanished, leaving behind only fragments of a passionate relationship that influenced Sterne's final novel.
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