Clarissa

First issued in 1747-48 as a long epistolary novel, Clarissa follows Clarissa Harlowe, a virtuous young woman whose family tries to force her into marriage with the rich, coarse Roger Solmes. She places herself under the protection of the rake Robert Lovelace, who isolates her in London, intercepts letters, and finally drugs and rapes her. The book is built from letters among Clarissa, her friend Anna Howe, Lovelace, and his confidant Belford. The second half follows the consequences of that violence for her will, her family, and Lovelace's self-image. It is a tragedy of reputation and sexual power in a property-obsessed gentry household.

Quarter bound in dark blue cloth, green (vol 1) or blue-green (vol 2) moiré silk boards. Grey-green (vol 1) or pale grey (vol 2) endleaves. Dark green two-volume slipcase.