The Life and Romances of Mrs. Eliza Haywood   By: George Frisbie Whicher

George Frisbie Whicher's biography, The Life and Romances of Mrs. Eliza Haywood, offers a detailed and captivating account of one of the most intriguing figures in eighteenth-century literature. This comprehensive work delves deep into the life and works of Eliza Haywood, shedding light on her groundbreaking contributions to the literary realm.

Through meticulous research and an eloquent writing style, Whicher brings to life the various stages of Haywood's career, from her early days as a playwright to her later success as a prolific novelist. The book carefully examines the social and cultural context in which Haywood operated, providing readers with a vivid understanding of the challenges she faced as a female writer in a male-dominated industry.

One of the great strengths of Whicher's biography is his ability to interweave Haywood's personal experiences with her literary endeavors. Through a nuanced exploration of her relationships, both romantic and platonic, readers gain an intimate insight into the motivations and inspirations behind her fictional works. This biographical approach not only enriches our understanding of Haywood as an artist but also offers fascinating glimpses into the broader cultural landscape of her time.

Another commendable aspect of Whicher's work is his insightful analysis of Haywood's literary style and thematic preoccupations. Drawing from a wealth of primary sources, he skillfully dissects her writing techniques and highlights the recurring motifs in her works, such as love, courtship, and female agency. This analysis allows readers to fully appreciate Haywood's influence on the development of the novel as a genre and underscores her enduring relevance in the literary canon.

Furthermore, the book excels in its ability to contextualize Haywood's writing within the wider realm of women's literature in the eighteenth century. Whicher adeptly situates Haywood amongst her contemporaries, providing a clear picture of her literary contributions and illustrating the shifts and developments that occurred during her lifetime. This broader perspective not only enhances our understanding of Haywood, but also offers fresh perspectives on the literary achievements of other remarkable women of the time.

While the book is undoubtedly thorough and meticulously researched, some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming. At times, the sheer amount of information presented can be challenging to digest, particularly for those less familiar with the intricacies of Haywood's life and work. However, this minor flaw is easily overlooked given the overall strength of the book.

In summation, George Frisbie Whicher's The Life and Romances of Mrs. Eliza Haywood is an engaging and enlightening biography that serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the life and writings of this remarkable woman. Whicher's extensive research, insightful analysis, and lyrical prose come together to paint a vivid portrait of Eliza Haywood, cementing her rightful place as a trailblazing figure in the history of literature.

First Page:

The purpose of the following study is not to revive the reputation of a forgotten author or to suggest that Mrs. Haywood may yet "come into her own." For the lover of eighteenth century fashions her numerous pages have indeed a stilted, early Georgian charm, but with the passing of Ramillies wigs and velveteen small clothes the popularity of her novels vanished once for all. She had her world in her time, but that world and time disappeared with the French Revolution [a]. Now even professed students of the novel shrink from reading many of her seventy odd volumes, nor can the infamous celebrity conferred by Pope's attack in "The Dunciad" save her name from oblivion. But the significance of Mrs. Haywood's contributions cannot safely be ignored. Her romances of palpitating passion written between 1720 and 1730 formed a necessary complement to Defoe's romances of adventure exactly as her Duncan Campbell pamphlets supplied the one element lacking in his... Continue reading book >>