Charlotte Temple
  • Published: 15 May 2004
  • ISBN: 9780812971217
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 144
  • RRP: $32.99

Charlotte Temple

Formats & editions
EBook
18 Dec 2007
Paperback
15 May 2004
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UNIQUE FEATURES: New Introduction by Jane Smiley; set from the first American edition of 1794; reading group guide

With an Introduction by Jane Smiley

First published in America in 1794, Charlotte Temple took the country by storm—in fact, it was this nation’s first bona fide “bestseller.” Susanna Rowson’s most famous work is the story of an innocent British schoolgirl who takes the advice of her depraved French teacher— with tragic consequences. Seduced by the dashing Lieutenant Montraville, who persuades her to move to America with him, the fifteen-year-old Charlotte leaves her adoring parents and makes the treacherous sea voyage to New York. In the land of opportunity, Charlotte is callously abandoned by Montraville. Alone and pregnant with an illegitimate child, she valiantly fights to stave off poverty and ruin.

This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the text of the first American edition.
  • Published: 15 May 2004
  • ISBN: 9780812971217
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 144
  • RRP: $32.99
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About the author

Susanna Rowson

Susanna Rowson (1762-1824), novelist, playwright
actress and educator, was born in Portsmouth,
England. Her mother died when she was an infant.
She was raised in New England by her father, a Bri
ish Navy man. During the Revolutionary war,
Susanna's family was held captive for three years
until they were sent back to England in a prisoner
exchange. Susanna married an English actor and
stagehand, William Rowson, and they relocated to
Philadelphia, and then Boston, to work in the thea-
ter. Susanna retired from the stage in 1797 to write
novels, and to run a Young Ladies' Academy. In
addition to Charlotte Temple (1791) and the sequel,
Charlotte's Daughter; or. The Three Orphans
(published posthumously in 1828), Rowson wrote
several novels and dramatic works, as well as educa-
tional tracts that she created for her young pupils.

Also by Susanna Rowson

Charlotte Temple and Lucy Temple
See all

Praise for Charlotte Temple

JACKET LINE: "A spirited, cannily high-minded story of seduction, betrayal and retribution." - Margo Jefferson, The New York Times

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