L'oeuvre de John Cleland: Mémoires de Fanny Hill, femme de plaisir Introduction, essai bibliographique par Guillaume Apollinaire

A vivid portrait of 18th‑century London unfolds through the eyes of a young provincial girl who is lured into the bustling world of the city’s pleasure districts. Her early encounters with charismatic match‑makers and the glittering yet precarious life of a courtesan offer a candid glimpse into the social hierarchies, street‑level commerce, and the ever‑present tension between desire and survival. The narrative blends humor, frankness, and a surprisingly tender self‑reflection, making the era’s moral complexities feel immediate and human.

The edition is enriched by six lively engravings by William Hogarth, each accompanied by detailed notes that decode the original captions and reveal hidden nuances. These illustrations act as visual footnotes, dramatizing key moments of the protagonist’s ascent and the colorful characters she meets. Together, the text and images create an immersive experience that transports listeners to the taverns, alleys, and salons of historic London, while inviting them to ponder the timeless interplay of love, power, and society.