Susanna Rowson – författare

Rowson’s tale of a young girl who elopes to the United States only to be abandoned by her fiancé was once the bestselling novel in American literary history. This edition also includes Lucy Temple, the fascinating story of Charlotte’s orphaned daughter.

The `Sentimental Novel' was extremely popular in America after the Revolution, Written in a tradition established by Samuel Richardson, they told tales of vice and virtue based on true stories. Charlotte Temple and The Coquette by Hannah W. Foster (see below) were two of the most successful novels of the period. Reissued in paperback editions with new introductions, they offer a glimpse of the earliest American popular fiction. Both are also announced in the Oxford General Books catalogue for Autumn 1987.

The sentimental novels of the early national period were considered a danger to society and were criticized for the corrupting influence they had on the minds of their mostly young and female audience. They told tales of vice and intrigue that purported to be "based on fact" and also advocated the need for better female education that would prepare young women against sweet-talking seducers. Extremely popular in America after the Revolution and throughout the nineteenth century, Charlotte Temple and The Coquette were two of the most successful novels of the period. Reprinted here in their entirety, with Introductions by the literary scholar Cathy N. Davidson, they offer the modern student a glimpse at the earliest American popular fiction. Charlotte Temple, the most popular novel in America until Harriet Beecher Stowe''s Uncle Tom''s Cabin, went through over 200 editions. It tells of a beautiful English girl who at the age of 15 is courted by and runs away with a British lieutenant named Montraville. Susanna Rowson, the daughter of a British naval officer, was one of the most accomplished women of the early national period. Actress, song-writer, novelist, poet, dramatist, and essayist, she was also the founder of one of the most progressive academies for young women of her day. She remained best-known, however, for Charlotte Temple, a novel that promised to be "of service to [the]...young and unprotected woman in her first entrance into life." In her Introduction, Cathy Davidson discusses the enormous popularity of the book and the life of Susanna Rowson, which was even more sensational than those of the characters depicted in the novel.

The sentimental novels of the early national period were considered a danger to society and were criticized for the corrupting influence they had on the minds of their mostly young and female audience. They told tales of vice and intrigue that purported to be "based on fact" and also advocated the need for better female education that would prepare young women against sweet-talking seducers. Extremely popular in America after the Revolution and throughout the nineteenth century, Charlotte Temple and The Coquette were two of the most successful novels of the period. Reprinted here in their entirety, with Introductions by the literary scholar Cathy N. Davidson, they offer the modern student a glimpse at the earliest American popular fiction. Charlotte Temple, the most popular novel in America until Harriet Beecher Stowe''s Uncle Tom''s Cabin, went through over 200 editions. It tells of a beautiful English girl who at the age of 15 is courted by and runs away with a British lieutenant named Montraville. Susanna Rowson, the daughter of a British naval officer, was one of the most accomplished women of the early national period. Actress, song-writer, novelist, poet, dramatist, and essayist, she was also the founder of one of the most progressive academies for young women of her day. She remained best-known, however, for Charlotte Temple, a novel that promised to be "of service to [the]...young and unprotected woman in her first entrance into life." In her Introduction, Cathy Davidson discusses the enormous popularity of the book and the life of Susanna Rowson, which was even more sensational than those of the characters depicted in the novel.

With an Introduction by Jane SmileyFirst published in America in 1794, Charlotte Temple took the country by storm—in fact, it was this nation’s first bona fide “bestseller.” Susanna Rowson’s most famous work is the story of an innocent British schoolgirl who takes the advice of her depraved French teacher— with tragic consequences. Seduced by the dashing Lieutenant Montraville, who persuades her to move to America with him, the fifteen-year-old Charlotte leaves her adoring parents and makes the treacherous sea voyage to New York. In the land of opportunity, Charlotte is callously abandoned by Montraville. Alone and pregnant with an illegitimate child, she valiantly fights to stave off poverty and ruin. This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the text of the first American edition.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Rowson''s tale of a young girl who elopes to the United States only to be abandoned by her fiance was once the bestselling novel in American literary history. This edition also includes Lucy Temple, the fascinating story of Charlotte''s orphaned daughter.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Lucy Temple (1828) is a novel by Susanna Rowson. Inspired in part by the author’s experiences in America—she was brought there by her father, a Royal Navy officer, and place under house arrest during the American Revolution—Lucy Temple, the sequel to her bestselling novel Charlotte Temple, fits squarely into the popular genre of the seduction novel. Alongside such works as Hannah Webster Foster’s The Coquette (1797), Rowson’s novel continues to inform scholars on the historical portrayal of women’s sexuality in English and American literature. “Such an assemblage of youth and innocence naturally attracted the young soldiers: they stopped; and, as the little cavalcade passed, almost involuntarily pulled off their hats. A tall, elegant girl looked at Montraville and blushed: he instantly recollected the features of Charlotte Temple, whom he had once seen and danced with at a ball at Portsmouth.” From this brief chance encounter, so much suffering ensues. Not long after meeting her on the street, Lieutenant John Montraville seduces young Charlotte and convinces her to leave her family and friends behind to join him in the new world. There, spurred on by rumors of infidelity and harboring his own sinister motives, he soon abandons his innocent wife, leaving her alone in a country where nobody knows her name. Although her father reaches her in time to see her once more, she soon succumbs to illness and poverty, leaving a young daughter behind. Lucy Temple is a tragic story of romance and morality from a leading writer and educator of her time. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Susanna Rowson’s Lucy Temple is a classic work of British-American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Charlotte Temple is a naïve girl who is courted by an older man and brought to America where she is left alone, pregnant and afraid. It is a heartbreaking story about lost innocence, betrayal and prolonged guilt. Charlotte Temple is a 15-year-old girl from a loving British family who catches the eye of the charismatic soldier, John Montraville. With the help of Charlotte’s schoolteacher, Montraville is able to convince her to leave home and join him in America. Separated from her family, Charlotte falls on hard times when Montraville eventually abandons her. She is left alone and pregnant, unable to find support due to her child’s illegitimacy. Charlotte reaches out to her nobleman father hoping to be brought back into the family fold. Charlotte Temple is a love story that ends in unexpected tragedy. It is fueled by the neglect of a young girl, whose life is changed forever. With more than 200 editions produced in the U.S., Temple is considered Rowson’s most popular work. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Charlotte Temple is both modern and readable.

Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book.

With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

Lucy Temple (1828) is a novel by Susanna Rowson. Inspired in part by the author’s experiences in America—she was brought there by her father, a Royal Navy officer, and place under house arrest during the American Revolution—Lucy Temple, the sequel to her bestselling novel Charlotte Temple, fits squarely into the popular genre of the seduction novel. Alongside such works as Hannah Webster Foster’s The Coquette (1797), Rowson’s novel continues to inform scholars on the historical portrayal of women’s sexuality in English and American literature. “Such an assemblage of youth and innocence naturally attracted the young soldiers: they stopped; and, as the little cavalcade passed, almost involuntarily pulled off their hats. A tall, elegant girl looked at Montraville and blushed: he instantly recollected the features of Charlotte Temple, whom he had once seen and danced with at a ball at Portsmouth.” From this brief chance encounter, so much suffering ensues. Not long after meeting her on the street, Lieutenant John Montraville seduces young Charlotte and convinces her to leave her family and friends behind to join him in the new world. There, spurred on by rumors of infidelity and harboring his own sinister motives, he soon abandons his innocent wife, leaving her alone in a country where nobody knows her name. Although her father reaches her in time to see her once more, she soon succumbs to illness and poverty, leaving a young daughter behind. Lucy Temple is a tragic story of romance and morality from a leading writer and educator of her time. This edition of Susanna Rowson’s Lucy Temple is a classic work of British-American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book.

With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

This riveting novel tells of the seduction of a British schoolgirl by a dashing soldier, John Montraville, who brings her to America and there abandons her, pregnant and ill. As such, it belongs to the seduction novel genre popular in early American literature.

Susanna Rowson was an American novelist, poet, and playwright best known for writing Charlotte Temple in 1791. Charlotte Temple was the best-selling book in American literature until Uncle Tom''s Cabin. The action centers around a British schoolgirl who falls in love with a dreamy soldier who brings her to America. A table of contents is included.

This riveting novel tells of the seduction of a British schoolgirl by a dashing soldier, John Montraville, who brings her to America and there abandons her, pregnant and ill. As such, it belongs to the seduction novel genre popular in early American literature.

Charlotte temple unfolds as a poignant tale of innocence, temptation, and the consequences of misplaced trust. Set in a society governed by rigid moral codes, the story follows a young woman whose sheltered upbringing leaves her vulnerable to the allure of romantic promises and the harsh realities that follow. Beginning within the calm confines of a boarding school and extending into a world marked by deception and moral conflict, the narrative portrays her descent from innocence to despair as she grapples with betrayal and social condemnation. Through its emotional depth and moral focus, the novel reflects on the limited choices afforded to women, the dangers of manipulation, and the fragility of reputation in a judgmental world. It serves as both a sentimental tragedy and a cautionary reflection on virtue, compassion, and the forces that shape personal downfall. The gentle realism and moral sensitivity of the story make it a lasting exploration of youthful vulnerability and the cost of defying societal expectations.