Peg Woffington (ePub)

Charles Reade (1814-1884) was a notable Victorian author and dramatist, remembered for his contribution to the development of the English novel and for his detailed observations of contemporary society. Often combining his literary talents with an academic background and a didactic purpose, Reade's work typically aimed to bring to light various social injustices, using fiction as a means to inspire reform. His writing style is characterized by a combination of realistic narrative with elements of melodrama, a choice which sometimes brought him both critical acclaim and disapproval (Sutherland, 1976).

One of Reade's most popular works is 'Peg Woffington' (1853), a novel that depicts the life and times of the eponymous 18th-century actress. Renowned for its vivid characterizations and its rich portrayal of the Georgian theatrical milieu, the book is an example of Reade's fascination with historical accuracy and his ability to create engaging and lively historical novels, a genre that occupied much of his writing career (Sloan, 2002). 'Peg Woffington', alongside Reade's other significant works like 'The Cloister and the Hearth' (1861) and 'Hard Cash' (1863), continues to be studied for its representation of Victorian concerns and the complexity of its Victorian-era characters (Sutherland, 1976).