John Cleland
John Cleland (1709-1789) was an English novelist, remembered chiefly for Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure — widely known as Fanny Hill — one of the most famous and frequently banned novels in the history of English literature. A landmark of the 18th-century novel, it has been the subject of censorship battles for over two centuries.
Written as the fictional memoir of a young woman making her way through Georgian England, the novel is notable both as an early example of the first-person novel and as a work whose long history of prohibition made it a central case in the legal history of literary censorship and free expression. It was banned soon after publication and remained so, in various places, into the 20th century.
Cleland led a varied and often difficult life as a writer and translator. His most famous work is of significant historical and literary interest as a milestone in the development of the novel and in debates over censorship.
Our editions present this historically significant work for adult readers. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
John Cleland in the library · 2 works
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Frequently asked questions about John Cleland
What did John Cleland write?
Cleland is best known for the novel Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, commonly called Fanny Hill, published in 1748-1749. He also wrote other novels, plays, and works on language and philology, though these are largely forgotten. Fanny Hill is his one enduringly famous work.
Why is Fanny Hill historically significant?
Fanny Hill is one of the most famous banned books in history, and its long series of obscenity prosecutions — continuing into the 20th century — made it a landmark in the legal history of censorship and freedom of expression. It is also an early and influential example of the first-person novel. Its importance lies as much in its history and its role in free-speech law as in the book itself.
Is Fanny Hill an adult book?
Yes — it is a frank work written for adult readers and has been controversial since its publication, which is why it was so often banned. The library offers it as a historically and legally significant classic of the 18th-century novel. Readers should approach it with that mature context in mind.
Where should I start with John Cleland?
Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Fanny Hill) is his only widely read work, so it is naturally where readers begin. It is best approached with an understanding of its historical importance and its central place in the history of literary censorship.
When did John Cleland live?
Cleland lived from 1709 to 1789. He published Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure in 1748-1749, and it led to controversy and prosecution almost immediately. He spent the rest of a varied career as a writer and scholar.
Where can I read John Cleland for free?
Cleland's Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure is in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original 18th-century text. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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