First published in 1759, this novel aims to promote the cause of the Magdalen House, a charity which sought to rehabilitate prostitutes by fitting them for a life of virtuous industry. It challenges long-standing prejudices against prostitutes by presenting them as victims of inadequate education, male libertinism and sexual double standards.

Jennie Batchelor, Megan Hiatt

Select Bibliography, Note on the Text, The Histories of Some of the Penitents in the Magdalen-House, 1 as Supposed to be related by Themselves (1760)