Disease, Desire, and the Body in Victorian Women's Popular Novels

Explore the intricate relationship between gender, health, and literature in Pamela K. Gilbert's insightful work, Disease, Desire, and the Body in Victorian Women's Popular Novels. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2005, this 220-page paperback delves into the perception of popular fiction in mid-Victorian Britain, where it was often labeled as both feminine and diseased. Gilbert offers a compelling analysis of the works of three prominent women novelists of the era—M. E. Braddon, Rhoda Broughton, and 'Ouida'—examining how their writings were received by contemporary readers and critics. This book is a must-read for those interested in 19th-century English fiction, gender studies, and literary criticism, providing a rich context for understanding the societal attitudes towards women authors and their contributions to literature. Enhance your library with this critical exploration of Victorian literature and its enduring impact on gender discourse.