John Cleland 
Memoirs of Fanny Hill 

John Cleland’s ‘Memoirs of Fanny Hill’ is a groundbreaking novel that holds the distinction of being one of the first pieces of English literature to depict explicit sexual themes. Published in 1748, the book follows the story of Fanny Hill, a young country girl who enters into a life of prostitution in London. Cleland’s writing style is characterized by its vivid descriptions and provocative language, which sparked controversy and led to the novel being banned for obscenity. Despite its scandalous nature, ‘Memoirs of Fanny Hill’ offers valuable insights into the social and moral attitudes of 18th-century England. John Cleland, a British novelist and man of letters, drew inspiration for ‘Memoirs of Fanny Hill’ from his own experiences and observations of London’s social landscape. His intention was to challenge the prevailing moral values of his time and push the boundaries of literary expression. Cleland’s bold and daring approach to storytelling has cemented his place in literary history as a pioneer of erotic literature. I recommend ‘Memoirs of Fanny Hill’ to readers interested in exploring the intersection of sexuality, morality, and literature in 18th-century England. Cleland’s provocative prose offers a unique perspective on the social norms and cultural values of his era, making this novel a compelling and thought-provoking read.

A propos de l’auteur

John Cleland (1709–1789) was an English novelist most famously known for his controversial novel ‘Memoirs of Fanny Hill’ or ‘Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure’, published in 1748. Born to a British Army lieutenant colonel in Kingston upon Thames, Cleland crafted a narrative that was as scandalous as it was pioneering in the realm of erotic fiction. ‘Memoirs of Fanny Hill’ is considered one of the first pornographic novels in English literature, and due to its explicit content, it was banned in Britain for several centuries. However, beyond its salacious content, Cleland’s work is noted for its stylistic merits and has been appreciated for the insights it lends into eighteenth-century society and attitudes towards sexuality, gender, and class. It wasn’t until 1963 that the novel was legally published in the US. Although Cleland’s other works never garnered the same level of notoriety or success, ‘Fanny Hill’ has ensured his place in literary history. His other writings, while lesser-known, reflect his keen observation and commentaries on the social structure and mores of his time. Cleland’s singular prominent work narrates the life of its title character with a blend of sensuality and sentimentality, providing an informative perspective on the era’s literary approach to both topics.