The Collected Works of Fanny Burney (eBook)

Frances Burney (1752–1840), also known as Fanny Burney, was a distinguished English novelist, diarist, and playwright, celebrated for her satirical wit, keen observations, and the unique perspective that she brought to female literature in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her novels are characterised by their vivid detail, comedic elements, and the direct examination of the lives of women in her time, including the constraints of middle and upper-middle-class society. Burney's first novel, 'Evelina; Or, The History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World' (1778), published anonymously, received critical acclaim for its rich depiction of social manners and its pioneering portrayal of domestic realism. She continued her foray into the literary setting with novels such as 'Cecilia' (1782), 'Camilla' (1796), and 'The Wanderer' (1814). Her plays and satires added to her reputation, although they were not as well-known as her novels. 'The Collected Works of Fanny Burney' encompasses her extensive oeuvre, capturing her unique narrative voice and offering valuable insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of the Georgian era. Burney's influence extended to later writers, including Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf, and her diaries and letters provide an outstandingly detailed record of the literary, artistic and social milieu that she navigated. As an author, Burney stands as a monumental figure in English literature, framing the female experience with a mix of tenderness, irony, and piercing social commentary.