Fanny Hill or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Penguin Classics)

Upon its publication in 1749, leaders of the church and many other public figures vehemently denounced Fanny Hill or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. Having written this groundbreaking work with a sexual sensibility gleaned from French libertine novels, author John Cleland created an important text during the Age of Enlightenment. Cleland dared to tell the story of a prostitute’s rise to a more respectable station in life, thus broaching many taboos of his time. With sharp wit and dramatic flair, Cleland’s story acts as a brilliant parody, erotic entertainment and fine literature.