Skip to content

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure Paperback - 1986

by John Cleland; Introduction by Peter Wagner


Summary

Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, commonly known as Fanny Hill, has been shrouded in mystery and controversy since John Cleland completed it in 1749. The Bishop of London called the work 'an open insult upon Religion and good manners' and James Boswell referred to it as 'a most licentious and inflaming book'.

The story of a prostitute's rise to respectability, it has been recognized more recently as a unique combination of parody, sensual entertainment and a philosophical concept of sexuality borrowed from French libertine novels. Modern readers will appreciate it not only as an important contribution to revolutionary thought in the Age of Enlightenment, but also as a thoroughly entertaining and important work of erotic fiction, deserving of a place in the history of the English novel beside Richardson, Fielding and Smollett.

From the publisher

Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, commonly known as Fanny Hill, has been shrouded in mystery and controversy since John Cleland completed it in 1749. The Bishop of London called the work 'an open insult upon Religion and good manners' and James Boswell referred to it as 'a most licentious and inflaming book'.The story of a prostitute's rise to respectability, it has been recognized more recently as a unique combination of parody, sensual entertainment and a philosophical concept of sexuality borrowed from French libertine novels. Modern readers will appreciate it not only as an important contribution to revolutionary thought in the Age of Enlightenment, but also as a thoroughly entertaining and important work of erotic fiction, deserving of a place in the history of the English novel beside Richardson, Fielding and Smollett. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

First line

I sit down to give you an undeniable proof of my considering your desires as indispensible orders: ungracious then as the task may be.

Details

  • Title Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure
  • Author John Cleland; Introduction by Peter Wagner
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 240
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Group, New York
  • Date 1986-01-07
  • Features Bibliography
  • ISBN 9780140432497 / 0140432493
  • Weight 0.34 lbs (0.15 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.73 x 5.1 x 0.57 in (19.63 x 12.95 x 1.45 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: British
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
  • Library of Congress subjects London (England), Prostitutes
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 86111880
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

About the author

John Cleland was born in 1710, eldest son of William Cleland, an officer and friend of the Pope. For a while hoe worked for the East India Company, rising from soldiers to businessman to secretary of the Bombay Council, though he returned to London in 1741. He then became a literary hack and journalist and was imprisoned for debt on several occasions, and on one such occasion used the time to write Fanny Hill. He died in Westminster in January 1789. Peter Wagner is a lecturer at the Catholic University of Eichstatt in Bavaria. His books in English include a study of Puritanism in colonial New England, and a survey of erotica in the age of Enlightenment.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Fanny Hill or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

by Cleland

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good Condition
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Burgin, Kentucky, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$2.98
$6.35 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin, 1986. Softcover. Good Condition. Has used bookstore stickers. Text has Marking, Cover Has Shelf, Edge and Corner Wear, Looks nice. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Literature & Literary; ISBN: 0140432493. ISBN/EAN: 9780140432497. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 1561058061. . 9780140432497
Item Price
$2.98
$6.35 shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)

by Cleland, John

  • Used
Condition
UsedAcceptable
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Annandale, New Jersey, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$2.99
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedAcceptable. Fast shipping and order satisfaction guaranteed. A portion of your purchase benefits charities, First Aid and Fire Stations!
Item Price
$2.99
$3.99 shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Annandale, New Jersey, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$2.99
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Fast shipping and order satisfaction guaranteed. A portion of your purchase benefits Non-Profit Organizations, First Aid and Fire Stations!
Item Price
$2.99
$3.99 shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)

by Cleland, John

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Frederick, Maryland, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$4.74
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics. Used - Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included.
Item Price
$4.74
$3.99 shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)

by Cleland, John

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Springdale, Arkansas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.30
$3.95 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics, 1/7/1986 12:00:01 AM. paperback. Acceptable. 0.6300 in x 7.8000 in x 5.0800 in. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear . It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket.
Item Price
$5.30
$3.95 shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

by John Cleland

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Nashua, New Hampshire, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.89
$3.50 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Group (USA), 1986-01-06. paperback. Very Good. 7x5x0. Has moderate shelf and/or corner wear. Great used condition. A portion of your purchase of this book will be donated to non-profit organizations.Over 1,000,000 satisfied customers since 1997! Choose expedited shipping (if available) for much faster delivery. Delivery confirmation on all US orders.
Item Price
$5.89
$3.50 shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

by Cleland, John

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.99
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Group, 1986. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$5.99
FREE shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

by Cleland, John

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.99
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Group, 1986. Paperback. Acceptable. Former library book; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$5.99
FREE shipping to USA
Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)

by John Cleland; Contributor-Peter Wagner

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.85
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics, 1986-01-07. Paperback. Used: Good.
Item Price
$6.85
FREE shipping to USA
Fanny Hill : Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fanny Hill : Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure

by Cleland, John

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140432497 / 0140432493
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Reno, Nevada, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$10.43
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
$10.43
FREE shipping to USA