A Simple Story (New ed)

This novel by Inchbald (1753-1821) follows the original 1791 edition, edited by Tompkins in 1967 for the Oxford English novels series and with a new introduction by Spencer.

It is concerned with the question of a woman's "proper education and behaviour", introducing Miss Milner, who announces her passion for her guardian, a Catholic priest.

The conflict they begin can only be resolved in the next generation.

Spencer has also written "The Rise of the Woman Novelist: from Aphra Behn to Jane Austen".