Publisher's Synopsis
Belinda is a novel written by Maria Edgeworth that explores the themes of social class, gender roles, and racial prejudice in late 18th-century England. The story follows the titular character, Belinda Portman, a young woman from a respectable family who moves to London to live with her aunt and uncle. Belinda is intelligent, kind, and beautiful, and quickly becomes popular in high society. However, she soon discovers the harsh realities of the social hierarchy, as she is courted by two very different men: Clarence Hervey, a wealthy and charming aristocrat, and Mr. Vincent, a biracial lawyer who faces discrimination and prejudice from society. As Belinda navigates her romantic choices and confronts the injustices of her time, she learns valuable lessons about the importance of empathy, integrity, and standing up for what is right. Edgeworth's writing style is witty and engaging, and her portrayal of complex characters and societal issues remains relevant and thought-provoking to this day.""If I had served myself, with half the zeal that I have served the world, I should not now be thus forsaken!--I have sacrificed reputation, happiness--every thing, to the love of frolic--All frolic will soon be at an end with me--I am dying--and I shall die unlamented by any human being. --If I were to live my life over again, what a different life it should be!--What a different person I would be! --But it is all over now--I am dying.""This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.