This is an auction for FANNY HILL: MEMOIRS OF A WOMAN OF PLEASURE, by John Cleland.

From Wikipedia:

"John Cleland (1709 – 1789) was an English novelist best known as the author of Fanny Hill: or, the Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure... Fanny Hill is an erotic novel by English novelist John Cleland first published in London in 1748. Written while the author was in debtors' prison in London, it is considered "the first original English prose pornography, and the first pornography to use the form of the novel". One of the most prosecuted and banned books in history, it has become a synonym for obscenity... The book is written as a series of letters from Frances "Fanny" Hill to an unknown woman, with Fanny justifying her life-choices to this individual. At the beginning of her tale, Fanny Hill is a young girl with a rudimentary education living in a small village near Liverpool. Shortly after she turns 15, both her parents die. Esther Davis, a girl from Fanny's village who has since moved to London, convinces Fanny to move to the city as well, but Esther abandons Fanny once they arrive. Fanny hopes to find work as a maid, and is hired by Mrs Brown, a woman she believes to be a wealthy lady. Mrs Brown is in fact a madam (pimp) and intends the innocent Fanny to work for her as a prostitute. Mrs Brown's associate, Phoebe Ayers, shares a bed with Fanny and introduces her to sexual pleasure. Mrs Brown plans to sell Fanny's virginity to an ugly old man, but Fanny is repulsed by the man and struggles with him. She is saved from rape by Mrs. Brown's maid..."

More on Wikipedia.

Large format hardback 1989.

192 pages.

Illustrations throughout.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $6.95. If you are on rural delivery the shipping cost will be $9.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.