Fantomina, or, Love in a Maze is a novella by Eliza Haywood which charts an unnamed female protagonist's pursuit of the charming, shallow Beauplaisir. Dealing with major themes such as identity, class and sexual desire, and first published in 1725, 'Fantomina' subverts the popular 'persecuted maiden' narrative, and reaches a climax which would have shocked its contemporary readership. Moving to London, a young woman - let's call her Fantomina - meets a dashing man at the theatre. After a short, but intense, fling, Beauplaisir grows bored of Fantomina, and leaves her. Outraged that she should be so treated, Fantomina discards her disguise in favour of another, and sets off in hot pursuit of her victim, and a game of cat and mouse begins. This edition features an introduction by Dr Sarah R. Creel, Bethany E. Qualls and Dr Anna K. Sagal of the International Eliza Haywood Society.

Features an introduction by three inaugural officers of the International Eliza Haywood Society.

About the Author
Eliza Fowler Haywood (c.1693-1756), was a writer, actress and publisher, now understood to be one of founders of the novel form, as well as an avant-garde publisher of important authors.

Reviews
'[It] is right to deplore "Haywood's invisibility to modern political historians", but now we see her in focus, she matters for the imaginative power of her writing.' (Thomas Keymer, London Review of Books) 'Haywood's place in literary history is equally remarkable and as neglected, misunderstood and misrepresented as her oeuvre.' (Paula R. Backscheider)



Book Information
ISBN 9781913724023
Author Eliza Haywood
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Renard Press Ltd
Publisher Renard Press Ltd