London: John Morphew, 1709. Second edition of vol. 1, First edition of vol. 2. 8vo, pp. , i-vi, 1-246; , 1-272. With an engraved frontispiece in vol. 1. Some worming to the top margin of a few leaves in vol. 2 (not affecting any letterpress), some light foxing, a very good set. Bound in modern 3/4 calf, spine with heavy gilt stamping, with new endpapers. Bound in the rear is the scarce keys to both volumes. Item #48524

The Schlueters note in their Encyclopaedia of British Women Writers that this is Manley's most celebrated work, ... a kind of roman a clef that recounted political intrigue and sexual scandal ... includes scenes of homosexual, as well as heterosexual, orgy, drunkeness, rape and incest, which has given it a sensationalist reputation ... Her contribution lies in having forged an authentically feminist realism ... and in having braved the negative currents that opposed women's entance into the field of dramatic and fictional literature ... She is one of the pioneers of women's literature in English, but her work has yet to receive the serious critical attention it deserves.