Publisher's Synopsis
Maria Edgeworth was a prominent Anglo-Irish writer who was a major influence in the development of the novel in Europe. Edgeworth was a prolific author who held advanced views on topics most women of her time were not involved in. Edgeworth and Jane Austen were considered to be the greatest female authors of the early 19th century. Castle Rackrent, published in 1800, is considered by most to be Edgeworth's most famous work. The book is set prior to the Constitution of 1782 and tells the story of four generations of the Rackrent family through their steward. The book is also notable for being one of the first historical novels.