Woman's Work in English Fiction, from the Restoration to the Mid-Victorian Period

A scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the contributions of women writers to English fiction, examining how their unique perspectives shaped the literary landscape from the Restoration era through the mid-Victorian period. Whitmore aims to resurrect the voices of these authors, many of whom have been neglected or forgotten in mainstream literary history. The opening of this work provides an insightful context for the discussion that follows, starting with a reflection on the historical absence of women in literary records and the necessity of acknowledging their contributions. It highlights early figures such as the Duchess of Newcastle and Aphra Behn, demonstrating how these pioneering women navigated a male-dominated literary world. Whitmore discusses the significance of women's unique storytelling abilities and their influence on the development of the English novel, tracing the evolution of women's narratives in fiction through vivid examples from early literature. This sets the stage for an expansive examination of numerous female authors and their pivotal roles in shaping English literary traditions.