Hannah More: A Critical Biography

This study reassesses the life and works of Hannah More (1745-1833), one of the most prolific and influential authors of her day in Britain. More used the appearance of propriety to advocate controversial reforms. An anti-heroine for most feminists, she put feminist ideas in superficially conventional tropes and vehicles, nevertheless. Her female protagonists are all proper ladies like herself, but she and her main characters did not always adhere to traditional ideals of femininity. This study reveals the secrets of More’s success in presenting feminist and other subversive ideas in politically acceptable ways.