In a series of letters to an unknown woman, Fanny defends her life—in particular her career as a prostitute. With its extraordinary and explicit descriptions of sex Fanny Hill scandalized the world upon its release and resulted in author John Cleland's arrest for obscenity. Fanny Hill was not formally published until the mid-20th century, and continues to be revered as an erotic classic.

About the Author

John Cleland (baptised 24 September 1709 – 23 January 1789) was an English novelist best known as the author of 'Memoirs of Fanny Hill'. In 1748, Cleland was arrested for an £840 debt and committed to Fleet Prison, where he remained for over a year. It was while he was in prison that Cleland wrote 'Fanny Hill'.