The Early Diary of Frances Burney, 1768-1778, Volume I

"Misery is a guest that we are glad to part with, however certain of her speedy return."

-Frances Burney, The Early Diary of Frances Burney (1769)

The Early Diary of Frances Burney, 1768-1778, Volume I (1889) began in Burney's teen years as her personal account of life in Georgian England but was later published posthumously. Scholars regard her diary as culturally important because the journals offer a firsthand, accurate depiction of English social life from a woman's perspective. She wrote of her father's drawing room where he entertained numerous significant dignitaries, explorers, actors, authors, and musicians of the day, most notably, Dr. Samuel Johnson. This glimpse into life in the 18th century is a must-read for historians and Jane Austen fans.