The Critical Response to Ann Radcliffe

This volume collects nearly one hundred critical documents on the works of Ann Radcliffe, one of the most influential English women writers of the eighteenth century, whose work gave rise to the English novel and the female gothic.

This book brings together, for the first time, almost one hundred documents on her work, including contemporary reviews, letters, diary entries, the most important critical assessments, and several new pieces. The chapters that follow consist of chronologically arranged critical analyses of particular works by Radcliffe.

Ann Radcliffe was one of the most influential women writers of the 18th century. Best known as the author of The Italian and The Mysteries of Udolpho, she contributed to the rise of the English novel and the development of the female gothic. This book brings together, for the first time, almost one hundred documents on her work, including contemporary reviews, letters, diary entries, the most important critical assessments, and several new pieces. The volume begins with an extensive introductory essay on Radcliffe's work and the critical reception of it. The chapters that follow consist of chronologically arranged critical analyses of particular works by Radcliffe. Several chapters then present general critical responses to her writings. The book concludes with a bibliography of selected additional readings.