The Histories of Some of the Penitents in the Magdalen House

Description

First published in 1759, this novel aims to promote the cause of the Magdalen House, a charity which sought to rehabilitate prostitutes by fitting them for a life of virtuous industry. It challenges long-standing prejudices against prostitutes by presenting them as victims of inadequate education, male libertinism and sexual double standards.

'The editors' thorough referencing of contextual debates and works elucidate just how influential the texts were in their time.'-Rebecca Davies in English'Both the notes and the introduction to The Histories highlight the many ways in which the novel can inform and develop current academic debates regarding eighteenth-century representationsof public and private women.'- Rebecca Davies in English