New Atalantis

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The New Atalantis (full title: Secret Memoirs and Manners of Several Persons of Quality, of both Sexes, From The New Atalantis) is a political satire by Delarivier Manley first published in 1709, the first volume in May and the second in October. The novel was initially suppressed on the grounds of its scandalous nature and Manley was arrested and tried, but it was immediately popular and went into seven editions.

The story concerns the return to earth of the goddess of Justice, Astrea, to gather information about private and public behaviour on the island of Atalantis. She and her mother, Virtue, are guided around the island by Intelligence. Delarivier Manley drew on her own experiences as well as observation of her milieu to produce this scandalous narrative of the private lives of prominent Whig and Tory politicians. She is generally considered to have been referring to herself in the story of "Delia" in Volume 2 (Todd 436).

[edit] References

  • "Manley, Delarivier." British Women Writers: A Critical Reference Guide. Janet Todd, ed. London: Routledge, 1989. 436-440.
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