Memoirs of Fanny Hill

The Memoirs of Fanny Hill John Cleland - The Memoirs of Fanny Hill by John Cleland was originally published in 1748. It is an erotic novel, and is considered the first pornographic novel to be published. It is written in the form of two long letters by Frances 'Fanny' Hill, to a woman known only as 'Madam'. Whilst Frances is now married with children and living a happy and luxurious existence, the letters recount the earlier, more scandalous stages of her life. Starting with a poor childhood, the letters tell of how, after her parents died, she went to London and ended up working in a brothel. There she meets her current husband Charles, who encouraged her to leave this lifestyle - after becoming lovers, Charles was sent away overseas for a while during which time Frances went on to have several lovers. Eventually they reunite.A year after the first installment had been published, Cleland and his publisher were arrested and charged with 'corrupting the King's subjects'. Interestingly enough, Cleland had finished The Memoirs of Fanny Hill whilst in prison for debt. When the case of corruption went to court, Cleland renounced the book, claiming that he could only 'wish from his soul that the book be buried and forgot'.