Clarissa: preface, hints of prefaces, and postscript: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Clarissa: preface, hints of prefaces, and postscript: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Clarissa: preface, hints of prefaces, and postscript is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Richardson, Samuel (1689–1761).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Clarissa: Preface, Hints of Prefaces, and Postscript" by Samuel Richardson is a pivotal novel written in the mid-18th century. This comprehensive work presents a moral and psychological exploration of its characters, set within a narrative structured as a series of letters. At its core, it follows the harrowing story of Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman whose struggles against societal expectations and personal tribulations reveal deeper themes of virtue, honor, and the consequences of moral failings. The opening of this work provides context for the narrative and outlines Richardson's intent and approach. It details the dual correspondence between two virtuous young women and two libertine gentlemen, setting the stage for the ensuing moral conflicts. Clarissa's character is presented as a paragon of virtue under siege, with her life dictated by both familial expectations and the advances of a libertine suitor, Lovelace. The narrative also hints at the broader themes of the book, such as the importance of moral integrity and the dangers of choosing superficial charms over substantial virtue in romantic pursuits. Through this, Richardson positions Clarissa's tale not just as a romance but as a tragic cautionary tale that ultimately serves didactic purposes for readers.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Clarissa: preface, hints of prefaces, and postscript
- Author credits: Richardson, Samuel (1689–1761)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Conflict of generations -- Fiction
- England -- Fiction
- Epistolary fiction
- Kidnapping victims -- Fiction
- Psychological fiction
- Rape victims -- Fiction
- Richardson, Samuel, 1689-1761. Clarissa
- Young women -- Crimes against -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Classics of Literature
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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