The Female Quixote

This engaging novel follows Arabella, whose love for romantic tales leads to humorous misadventures. The Female Quixote is a notable work in women's literature.

Published in 1752, The Female Quixote is a clever parody of Cervantes' style, weaving a narrative that highlights the misadventures of Arabella, an aristocratic young woman with an insatiable appetite for romantic fiction. Her fervent reading leads her to misunderstand the world around her, as she attempts to navigate life through the lens of the fantastical tales she adores. This often results in humorous and poignant situations that reflect both her naivety and the societal expectations of her time.

The novel garnered much acclaim from literary figures such as Fielding, Richardson, and Dr. Johnson, establishing Charlotte Lennox as a significant voice in the genre of the Novel of Sentiment. Through Arabella's journey, The Female Quixote explores themes of love, identity, and the influence of literature on perception, making it a rich text for analysis. Lennox's sharp wit and keen observations provide a commentary on the romantic ideals that shape her protagonist's worldview.

This edition of The Female Quixote includes a thoughtful introduction and comprehensive explanatory notes, making it particularly valuable for students of women's literature and those interested in the development of the eighteenth-century novel. The Oxford World's Classics series has been dedicated to offering a diverse range of literature, ensuring readers have access to accurate texts and insightful resources for further study.