Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress

by Daniel Defoe

Overview

Roxana (1724), Defoe's last and darkest novel, is the autobiography of a woman who has traded her virtue, at first for survival, and then for fame and fortune. Its narrator tells the story of her own "wicked" life as the mistress of rich and powerful men. Endowed with many seductive skills, she is herself seduced: by money, by dreams of rank, and by the illusion that she can escape her own past. This edition uses the rare first edition text, with a new Introduction, detailed Notes, textual history and a map of contemporary London.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781975929619
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	09/01/2017
Pages:	366
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.76(d)

About the Author

Daniel Defoe, born Daniel Foe, was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer, and spy, most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe.

Editorial Reviews

"Roxana is possibly Defoe's most fascinating story-teller and this, one of his most intriguing stories."—The Daily Telegraph

"Excellent introduction by John Mullan; wisely selected bibliography; full notes."—Robert C. Steensma, University of Utah

"The World's Classics edition of 'Roxana' is an attractive volume with a nice picture on the cover, and it seems to have been well edited by John Mullan. I especially like the map of Defoe's London. Unfortunately, I find 'Roxana' far less interesting that 'Robinson Crusoe' and 'Moll Flanders'.—Peter Wirth, University of Mississippi

"Excellent introduction by John Mullan."—Mary Paynter, Edgewood College

"The text seems beautifully done - striking cover, easy-to-read structure, and helpful intro and scholarship."—W.H. Reames, Jr., Erskine College

"A beautiful edition, a helpful introduction."—Archibald G. Coolidge, Jr., University of Iowa

"This is an excellent series and one of the best available editions of Defoe's last work. The introduction is extensive and helpful, a great teaching aid. Thank you for keeping this neglected classic available for us."—Carl Kremer, William Woods University

"Excellent notes and introductions - more useful in the classroom than any other paperback edition."—Allen Michie, Coastal Carolina University

From the Publisher