Evelina

This lovely epistolary precursor and source of inspiration for Austen's own masterpieces is a real treat to read. A great coming-of-age narrative in true eighteenth-century fashion, Burney shows the world why she is as great a writer as any other from her time. Must read for those who love fashionable balls, nights at the opera, beautiful and witty ladies, and dashing Lords.

From the Preface: ‰ЫПIn the republic of letters, there is no member of such inferior rank, or who is so much disdained by his brethren of the quill, as the humble Novelist: nor is his fate less hard in the world at large, since, among the whole class of writers, perhaps not one can be named, of whom the votaries are more numerous, but less respectable. / Yet, while in the annals of those few of our predecessors, to whom this species of writing is indebted for being saved from contempt, and rescued from depravity, we can trace such names as Rousseau, Johnson, Marivaux, Fielding, Richardson, and Smollet, no man need blush at starting from the same post, though many, nay, most men, may sigh at finding themselves distanced.‰Ыќ