The Complete Novels of Frances Burney (eBook)

Frances Burney (1752–1840), also known as Fanny Burney and later as Madame d'Arblay, was a distinguished English novelist, diarist, and playwright whose literary works offer a unique glimpse into the life and social mores of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Burney's wit and keen observation made her novels notably ahead of her time in the examination of women's roles and social norms. Her first novel, 'Evelina', published anonymously in 1778, received much critical acclaim, depicting the trials of a young woman in English society with humor and insight, a tone she maintained throughout her subsequent novels. 'Evelina' was followed by 'Cecilia' in 1782, 'Camilla' in 1796, and 'The Wanderer' in 1814, all included in 'The Complete Novels of Frances Burney'. Her novels were known for their lively depiction of manners and satirical portrayal of the aristocracy. Burney's influence extended beyond her novels, through her prolific diaries and letters, offering historians deep insights into the literary and court life of her era. Her literary style combined satirical wit with an empathetic concern for social issues, especially those concerning women, earning her recognition in the tradition of the great English novelists. Burney's work has been widely studied and respected in literary circles, and her influence can be seen in the writings of Jane Austen and other contemporaries who regarded her as a pioneering force in the development of the novel as a form.