Frances Burney and her readers. The negotiated image.

This book examines the challenges faced by Frances Burney as she navigated her literary career and public image in the 18th century.

In Frances Burney and her readers. The negotiated image, the author explores the complex relationship between an eighteenth-century woman and the concept of celebrity. It delves into whether it was feasible for women like Frances Burney to achieve commercial success in literature while adhering to the societal expectations of feminine domesticity. Through her journey from a debutante to an esteemed literary figure, Burney navigated the challenges posed by the critical reception of her works, revealing the nuanced dilemmas she faced throughout her career.

The book traces Burney's life against the backdrop of evolving cultural norms regarding literature and its consumption. It emphasizes the shifting attitudes toward women writers and how these changes influenced Burney's strategies for crafting her public image. By examining her literary techniques and the reception of her texts, the author sheds light on the successes and setbacks Burney encountered in her quest to project a favorable image as both a woman and a writer.

Ultimately, Frances Burney and her readers. The negotiated image offers a rich analysis of the intersections between gender, literature, and societal expectations in the 18th century. It invites readers to reconsider the complexities of female authorship during a time when women were often marginalized in the literary sphere, providing valuable insights into Burney's legacy and the broader context of women's writing.