Regulating Readers

This work significantly enhances the understanding of authorship and criticism, highlighting how women writers in the eighteenth century sought to establish themselves in authoritative critical roles within the public sphere.

Regulating Readers is a significant work that delves into the intersection of authorship and criticism, particularly focusing on the contributions of women writers in the eighteenth century. This book highlights how these women sought to carve out authoritative roles for themselves in a literary landscape that often marginalized their voices. By examining various texts and contexts, the author sheds light on the ways in which these writers challenged existing norms and asserted their presence in the public sphere.

The book is part of a broader movement in scholarship that recognizes the vital contributions of women to literature and criticism during this period. It argues that these writers not only produced literary works but also engaged in critical discourse, influencing how literature was perceived and valued. Through their writings, they crafted a narrative that positioned themselves as credible critics and thinkers, thereby reshaping the literary canon and expanding the definition of authorship.

In exploring these themes, Regulating Readers contributes to a richer understanding of the historical dynamics of gender and literature. It invites readers to reconsider the role of women in the development of literary criticism and the impact of their work on contemporary understandings of authorship. Overall, this book serves as an essential resource for those interested in literary history, gender studies, and the evolution of critical thought, offering valuable insights into the legacy of eighteenth-century women writers.