The Romance of The Forest by Mrs. Ratcliffe, a.k.a. Ann Ward Radcliffe, 1859 American edition.

Written by Ann Ward Radcliffe, a.k.a. Mrs. Ratcliffe. 1859 American edition. J. B. Smith & Co, Philadelphia.

Chapter I

"Pierre de la Motte was a gentleman descended from an ancient house of France. He was a man whose passions often overcame his reason, and for a time silenced his conscience; but, though the image of virtue, which mature had impressed upon his heart, was sometimes obscured by the passing influence of vice, it was never wholly obliterated. With strength of mind sufficient to have withstood temptation, he would been a good man; as it was, he was always a weak, and sometimes a vicious member of society; yet his mind was active, and his imagination vivid, which, co-operating with the force of passion, often dazzled his judgment and subdued principle. Thus he was a man, inform in purpose and visionary in virtue; in a word, his conduct was suggested by feeling, rather than principle; and his virtue, such as it was, could not stand the pressure of occasion."

Ann Ward Radcliffe* (1764 - 1823) was an English novelist who popularized Gothic fiction. Radcliffe's writing career began with the publication of "The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne" in 1789, and she quickly gained fame with her third novel, "The Romance of the Forest" (1791). "The Mysteries of Udolpho" (1794) epitomized Gothic fiction, setting a new standard for suspenseful storytelling. Her novels often featured strong female protagonists who faced harrowing ordeals in eerie and foreboding settings. She married journalist William Radcliffe in 1787, who supported her literary endeavors. She ceased writing novels after "The Italian" (1797) to enjoy the life she and her husband had created, and turned to poetry in her later years.

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Condition: Good. Lacks dust jacket, as issued. Red cloth cover boards: Soiled on the front and back, including dampstain on the back; rubbing in the lower right of front cover; corners are bumped; wear along the spine, soiling from handling on the back edge, and splitting of the cloth along the front edge. Previous owner's name penciled on front fly leaf, though easily missed against the brown paper. Page following front fly leaf was removed. Foxing throughout else pages are undamaged and complete.