English Editions
Copyright © 2003 Sheryl Perry
John Cleland was born in England in 1709. He attended Westminster School where he achieved King's Scolar in 1722. He was later employed in the British Consular service at Smyrna and in 1736 he worked for the East India company in Bombay, Inda. By 1746 he was back in England but the world evidently turned against him as he soon found himself serving a prison term in Fleet debtor's prison.
While in prison John Cleland composed one of the longest banned, most reprinted, most well-known novel in history, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (also known as Fanny Hill). And he wrote the story not for monetary gain (Cleland in fact earned only 21 pounds), and not because he particularly liked erotica, but he wrote it largely because he was bored sitting in prison day after day.
In November of 1748 Thomas Parker printed for publisher Ralph Griffiths {who used the pseudonym G. Fenton) the first volume of Cleland's Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, with the second volume following in February of 1749. By Novemer of the same year a warrant was issued for the arrest of Thomas Parker, Ralph Griffiths and John Cleland. However, it appears the case for obscenity was never pursued against the three men.
One of the earliest verifiable prosecutions against Fanny Hill in the United States occured in 1819 against printer/publisher Peter Holmes (Commonwealth v. Peter Holmes, 17 Mass. 335). The court found the illustrated book to be lewd and obscene and so fined Peter Holmes $300 plus court costs of $75.53, and ordered him to post a $500 bond. Shortly thereafter in April of 1820 Stillman Howe was sentenced to one day solitary confinement and 6 months hard labor for selling copies of what appear to be the same edition. It wasn't until 1966 (Memoirs v. Massachusetts, 383 U.S. 413) that the 1819 finding was overturned due to the new definition of obscenity defined eleven years prior in the 1957 case Roth v. United States 354 U.S. 476
On April 11, 1779 James Boswell speaks of meeting nearly 70 year old Cleland: "Found him, in an old house in the Savoy, just by the waterside. A coarse, ugly old man for his servant. His room, filled with books in confusion and dust was like Dupont's and old Lady Eglinton's, at least old ideas were suggested to me as if I were in a castle. He was drinking tea and eating biscuits. I joined him. He had a rough cap like Rousseau, and his eyes were black and piercing...A sly, old malcontent". John Cleland died 10 years later in London.
The checklist covers only those English editions published between 1748 and 1950. The first 4 entries are listed in exact order of publication, regardless of title page year, based on David Foxon's research. The remaining entries in the checklist are sorted by the year shown on the title page, even though the edition may have been published later; and where that's known it will be noted in brackets. If the title page lacks a year but an estimated date of publication is known the estimated date is used. Those titles without a date and without an estimated publication date are listed at the end of the checklist.
Title pages for the first 5 entries below can be found on here my site.
[First Edition]. 12mo. [156mm x 95mm.]. 2 volumes. Vol.1: [1-3] 4-227 [228 blank]; Vol.2: [1-3], 4-255 [256 blank]. 25 lines of type per page except for Volume 1 at pp. 194-227, which contains 29 lines each page. Volume 2 contains two paragraphs describing a homosexual encounter observed by Fanny at pp.177-179. Printed by Thomas Parker.
The first volume is believed to have been first published in Nov. 1748; with the second volume being published in Feb. 1749.
(Christie's: Sale 3537, Lot 3. Foxon: p.60, A. British Library: P.C.27.a.44. Bibliothèque Nationale: ENFER-288 and 289)
2 volumes in-12 (163 x 97 mm). An inset plate in the mezzotint (of 13). Volume I: 211 pp. ; volume II: 231 pp. 27 lines per page and ornaments on the titles. illustrated with 13 plates in the mezzotint (6 in the first volume and 7 in the second)
(Poul Steen Larsen: John Cleland's 'Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure', a Bibliography of the Earliest Editions, Copenhagen: 1968, unpublished typescript held at the British Library. Christie's: Sale 19122, Lot 4)
12mo. [164mm x 94mm.]. pp. [i-vi] [I] 2-273 [274 blank]. Printed on laid paper. 2 headpieces.
Published in the form of 11 letters (the last mislabled 'XV'), this is Cleland's rework of the original and does not contain the sexual details found in the first edition. Reprinted by William Dugdale [London: H. Smith, 1841] as Memoirs of the Life of the celebrated Miss Fanny Hill
(Foxon: p.60 (description of Dingwall copy). British Library: C.133.a.9. Bibliothèque Erotique Gérard Nordmann, Christies Sale #5447 / Lot 134, December 14, 2006]
London: printed for G. Fenton in the Strand, n.d. [1755-1759?], 2 volumes, 12mo, 232pp. + 252pp
Date is unknown but this range is the date the auction listed. Also, per the auction description, "The copy of this edition reproduced in Eighteenth Century Collections Online has the front endpaper inscribed and dated 1759, indicating that this edition must have been printed by 1759 at the very latest."
(Auction: Lyon & Turnbull, Lot 167, 13 Jul 2022)
12mo. [158mm x 97mm.]. Vol.1: [1-3] 4-228 [228 blank]; Vol.2: [1-3], 4-250 [?251-2 blank]. 28 lines of type on all pages. 2 frontispieces and 8 hand-colored mezzotints in each volume.
The ornament on the title page is similar, not identical, to the first edition. The homosexual passage is also omitted in this edition. Foxon states the frontis in volume 1 is probably a later insertion or replacement. The basic design of the plates is the same as some of the engravings attributed to Gravelot in a 1766 edition. Only 2 copies are known to exist: The British Library and in the Nordmann collection.
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.65 #1. Foxon: p.60, B. British Library: P.C.27.a.44. Eros invaincu: 53. Bibliothèque Erotique Gérard Nordmann, Christies Sale #5445 / Lot 94, April 27, 2006)
12mo. [170mm x 105mm.]. Vol.1: [1-3] 4-228 [228 blank]; Vol.2: [1-3], 4-250 [?251-2 blank]. 28 lines of type on all pages.
The homosexual passage is omitted in this edition. Even though even an estimated publication date is unknown, I placed this entry in this position because Foxon argues that this edition was probably published after 'B'.
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.65. Foxon: p.60, C. British Library: P.C.27.a.44)
Memoirs of Fanny Hill ... A new and genuine edition from the original text. London [Paris]: Isidore Liseux, 1749 [1888]
20cm. xi + 325pp. 10 plates. Printed by Unsinger.
The copy described in Mansell lacks plates. The two homosexual paragraphs omitted from all early editions printed after the first edition are included in this present copy as a footnote. The only modern edition known to have printed the paragraphs in their correct place was published at Paris by Maurice Girodias, Obelisk Press, 1950).
(Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1888. British Library: P.C.27.a.33. Bibliothèque Nationale: ENFER-124. Mansell: NC0475654)
8vo. 2 volumes. Vol 1: 1-152pp w/13 engravings; Vol 2: 1-167pp w/18 engravings. Engravings attributed to Hubert Franccois Gravelot (1699-1773).
(British Library: P.C.30.k.27)
London: Printed in the Year M. DCC.LXXVII. [1777]
12mo. 2 volumes. Continuous pagination. 307pp. including title page. Volume 1 ends at p.146. Half-title reads Memoirs of a ***** of ********.
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.65 #2)
London: Fenton, 1779
19cm. 2 volumes.
(NY Public Library: XM-3123 (microfilm))
London: n.p., 1780.
2 volumes in 1, 12mo. (179 x 105mm); vol.1: [1]f., 152pp.; vol.2: [1]f., 167pp. Frontispiece and 34 engraved plates [perhaps of 35], probably by Gravelot.
Another copy contains 15 (of 16?) hand-coloured engraved plates perhaps by Gravelot, extra-illustrated with one probably by Rowlandson from another work.
Both include the suppressed homosexual episode.
(Christie's: Sale 12140, lot 423. Christie's: Sale 10773, lot 584)
London: Printed in for G. Fenton in the Strand. M.DCC.LXXXI. [1781]
12mo. 2 volumes. Vol.1: 172pp. Vol.2: 187pp.
Issued unillustrated but the copy in the Arenberg auction "is enriched with 12 very explicit plates (mezzotints and aquatints), from at least two different illustrated editions (some prob. from the ed. of ca. 1760."
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.66 #3. Arenberg Auctions: Lot 953)
London: Printed in for G. Fenton in the Strand. 1784
12mo. 2 volumes. Vol.1: 154pp. Vol.2: 168pp. 12(?) engravings.
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.66 #4)
London: Printed for G. Fenton in the Strand, M.DCC.LXXXIV. [1784]
12mo. 2 volumes Vol.1: 132pp.; Vol.2: 144pp.
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.66 #5. British Library: P.C.31.f.27)
In Two Volumes. Londres: printed for G. Fenton in the Strand, 1791
In-12 (177 x 104 mm). 2 volumes in one. Vol.1: [13]-130pp. Vol.2: 128pp. 24 engravings hors-texte, done in color (2 frontispieces, 1 title page, 9 plates in volume 1, 12 plates in volume 2)
The etchings are done in the style of the Cruikshanks. Although the pagination starts at 13, the book appears to be complete.
( Eros invaincu: 54. Bibliothèque Erotique Gérard Nordmann, Christies Sale #5445 / Lot 95, April 27, 2006)
In Two Volumes. Londres: printed for G. Fenton in the Strand, 1791
In-12 (177 x 104 mm). 2 volumes in one. Vol.1: [13]-130pp., 1 frontispiece, 1 engraved title-page, 7 illustrations. Vol.2: 128pp. 8 illustrations; all hors-texte in color
(Bibliothèque Erotique Gérard Nordmann, Christies Sale #5445 / Lot 136, December 14, 2006)
London Published as the ad directs
2 volumes in 1, duodecimo in sixes (180 x 105 mm). Engraved title and 16 engraved plates including the frontispiece, all hand-coloured; most attributed to Isaac Cruikshank (1764-1811), the first three plates in volume 2 evidently the work of another artist. Pagination in volume 1 beginning at 13 but the text complete; without final blank leaf M5 in volume 2, possibly as issued.
(Christie's Auction: Nordmann, Lot 136; and Tony Feke, Lot 57.)
A fair Cyprian, many years resident in Russell Street, Covent Garden. / Originally written by John Cleland, Esq. and first published by R. Griffith, at the Dunciad in St. Paul's Church Yard. London: Printed by W. Glendinning, 25, Hatton Garden; for T. Broom, 154, Drury Lane; and sold by all the booksellers., [n.d., c.1809]
20cm. 23pp. 3rd edition. The edition statement appears at the head of the t.p. Running title "The life of Miss Fanny Hill".
Later published by William Dugdale in 1830 under the same title.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.70, #19; British Library: P.C. 31.f.24. Bonhams: 26 Jun 2019, Lot 152)
Written by herself. 17th ed. With plates designed and engraved by a member of the Royal Academy. London: Printed for G. Felton [Fendton], 1813.
18cm. 299pp. Frontispiece + plates.
(Yale: Im C589 749Md)
[London]: 1829.
12mo. 2 volumes. Vol.1: 159pp. Vol.2: 176pp. 18 plates. Ashbee is not certain of the wording of the title.
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.67 #7)
Or, The life of Fanny Hill. [London?: c.1830?].
18cm. 173pp. 9 plates.
(Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1830)
A fair Cyprian, Many Years resident in Russell Street, Covent Garden. Originally written by John Cleland, Esquire. First published by R. Griffith, at the Dunciad, in St. Paul's Church Yard. London: Re-Printed by Turner, 23 Russell Court, Drury Lane [n.d., c.1830]
12mo. Engraved title page. Ashbee thinks there were probably plates.
Per Ashbee this was sold openly and is therefore a castrated edition. Previously published by T. Broom under this title in c.1810.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.70, #19; British Library: P.C. 31.f.24. Bodleian: Douce FF 73)
Written by Herself. Embellished with Numberous Copper Plate Engravings. London: Printed in for the Proprietors, 1831
12mo. 2 volumes. Vol.1: 131pp. Vol.2: 144pp. Number of engravings unknown. 2 emblematical, engraved title-pages. The Bibliothèque Nationale Library has an edition that matches this one except "2 tomes en un vol" [ENFER-1581].
(Ashbee: Vol.3, p.67 #8)
Or the Life of Miss Fanny Hill. In two Volumes. From the Original Quarto Edition of the Author John Cleland Esq...London: Printed by John Jones, 1832
Large 12mo. 2 volumes. 120pp. and 135pp. 25 colored engravings and consist of 12 small inserted in-text and 13 large, including an engraved title page.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.68, #10)
Written by herself. With plates, engraved by a member of the Royal Academy. London [United States?]: G. Felton's Press, in the Strand. Copy right secured to the Royal family, according to law., 1832.
13cm. 2 volumes in 1. Continuous pagination. 157pp. total. Vol.2 (p. [91]-157) has separate title page. 9 leaves of plates.
(AAS: Z770 C624 M832)
Detailing, in glowing language, her Adventures as a Courtezan and Kept-Mistress; her strange vicissitudes and happy end... London: Printed by H. Smith, 37 Holywell Street, Strand. 1841
12mo. 207pp. 8 colored engravings.
An abridged reprint of the 1750 edition.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.69, #15. British Library: 805.b.1)
Written by herself. London [New York]: [n.p., n.d. c.1845]
12mo. 2 volumes. Continuous pagination. 284pp. Lithographic plates.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.71, #20)
A Fair Cyprian by John Cleland. [London: William Dugdale, c.1850]
8vo. 2 vols. in one, with volume 1 ending at p.80 and volume 2 beginning with p.97 and ending in p.173. 20 colored lithographs.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.68, #12)
Being the Life and Adventures of Miss Frances Hill. Written by Herself. London: for the Proprietors, 1860
12mo. (144 x 93 mm) 2 parts in 1 volume. 9 engraved plates including the frontispiece, all hand-coloured. (Without the final blank probably as issued
Probably the only existant copy. Possibly published in America.
(Highlights from the Erotica Library of Tony Fekete, Christies: Lot 58, Nov 18, 2014)
A new and genuine edition from the original text. Rotterdam: 9 Schiedamschedyk, 1872 [c.1892]
19cm. 325pp.
Possibly published by Brancart.
(Mendes: 38-C)
Or, The career of a woman of pleasure. Illustrated with Coloured Plates. London: Printed for the Booksellers, [c.1874?]
17cm. 2 vols. in one. Continuous pagination. 125pp. [Ashbee gives 120pp]. Portrait of Fanny as frontispiece + 7 colored lithographs.
(Ashbee: Vol.3 p.70, #16. Cambridge: Waddleton.d.9.531. UCLA: PR3348.C65 M55 1870. Princeton: Robert H. Taylor Collection, 18th-95)
Cosmopoli [London?]: Privately printed, 1889.
18cm. 291pp. Limited edition of 250 copies. 2 illustrations (possibly 12).
The copy described in Mansell lacks plates.
(Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1889. Mansell: NC0475655)
A genuine reprint of the rare edition of 1749. Cosmopoli: Privately Printed, 1889.
21.5cm. No signatures. Continuous pagination. Vol.1: 1-139pp. Vol.2: 140-291pp. Limited edition of 100 copies.
Mendes strongly believes this is a US production "antedated possibly by up to 30 or 40 years".
(Mendes: 38-A. Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1889b)
Paris: Isidore Liseux, 1890.
8vo. viii + 319pp. A reprint of Liseux's 1888 edition.
(Bibliothèque Nationale: ENFER-110)
A new and genuine edition from the original text. Paris: Isidore Liseux, 1890 [1890-1895]
18.5cm. 2 volumes. Vol.1: [3]-154pp. Vol.2: [157]-325pp.
Printed and published by Berge, Rotterdam. A reprint of Liseux's 1890 edition.
(Mendes: 38-B)
Or, The career of a woman of pleasure... London: Dorsan Publishing Co., [c.1890?].
19cm. 125pp. 8 colored plates.
(British Library: YA.1999.a.941)
Small 8vo. 112pp. Published by Augustin Brancart.
(From catalogue of Mr. J.B. Rund)
A new and genuine edition (from the original text London 1749). Amsterdam: [n.p.], 1893.
17.5cm. 307pp.
(Mendes: 38-D)
(Fanny Hill) A new and genuine edition (from the original text London, 1749). Paris: Chez tous les libraires, 1894 [c.1892?].
17cm. 2 volumes. Vol.1: [9]-181pp. Vol.2: [187]-374pp. Possibly printed in Amsterdam for Brancart and/or Van Crombrugge.
(Mendes: 38-E)
London: Published for the Bibliophiles, 1894 [c.1902?].
8vo. 319pp. Printed on glossy wove paper. 12 etchings tipped-in, which were originally issued as a separate portfolio.
(Mendes: 38-H. Biblioth?que Nationale: RES P-Y2-322. Kinsey: 833.7 S12 v4F 1902)
Or the Career of a Woman of Pleasure. Paris: [n.p.], 1900.
17cm. 2 volumes. [pagination of Vol.1 unknown]; Vol.2: [5]-191.
(Mendes: 38-F)
A New and genuine edition from the original text. London: Published for Bibliophiles, 1900.
18.5cm. 1 volume. 212pp.
(Mendes: 38-G)
London: Published for Bibliophiles, 1904.
18cm. 2 volumes.
(Library of Congress: PR3348.C65 M45 1901)
A genuine reprint of the rare edition of 1749. Paris: Kamashastra Society, 1907.
21cm. 239pp. At head of title page: Privately issued. Printed by Veuve Félix Guy et Cie on wove paper. The Kinsey copy has 1 frontispiece and 11 tipped in plates on smooth glossy paper after Paul-Emile Bécat. Title page in red and black.
(Kinsey: E 823.6 C62 f2 1907. Cornell: PR3348.C65 M5 1907)
A genuine reprint of the rare edition of 1749. Paris: Kamashastra Society, 1907.
21cm. 235pp. Limited edition of 250 copies. 47 plates, some in color.
According to the entry in Kinsey some of the plates are from Gamiani, some are from the classics of old Japan.
(Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1907b. Mansell: NC0475657)
A genuine reprint of the rare edition of 1749. [Paris]: Privately Printed, Kamashastra Society, 1907.
24cm. vi + 287pp. No plates?
(Stanford: PR3348 .C62 F2 1907. Rhodes: PR3348.C65 M45 1907B)
A Woman of Pleasure Written by Herself. A new illustrated edition literally reprinted from the earliest original and most complete text known. London: 1908 [Paris: Charles Hirsch, c.1928?].
22.5cm. No signatures. 249pp. Limited edition of 500 copies, of which 10 are printed on Japansese vellum and 490 on hand-made paper. 12 full-page plates, two headpiece illustrations and one portrait, all in photogravure, done by Paul Avril.
(Mendes: 38-M. Importante Bibliothèque d'Ouvrages Érotiques: Hotel Drouot, Salle No.13, 1987, #49)
A new and genuine edition from the original text. Paris: Isidore Liseux, 1911 [?New York: Miller Brothers?]
24cm. 268pp. Limited edition of 350 copies. In the Kinsey copy: 12 photographic reproductions of pen and ink drawings with wash laid in book. Kinsey has a second copy with 6 plates.
(Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1911. Mansell: NC0475658)
A new and genuine edition from the original text. Paris: Isidore Liseux, 1911.
19cm. 312pp. Printed on cheap paper.
(Mendes: 38-J)
A woman of pleasure written by herself. London: 1919 [Paris: Charles Hirsch, c.1929?]
20.5cm. 2 volumes. Vol.1: 154pp. Vol.2: 168pp. All text pages enclosed in a blue ornamental frame. Limited edition of 300 copies. 12 full-page color photogravure plates by Paul Avril [1/22/06 - A copy at Argosy Book Store contains 15 plates w/tissue guards].
Note: The entry in Kinsey states that, per Reade, the plates are by Paul-Emile Becat, when in fact Reade does not state who the plates are by (See: Reade 913). The identity of the artist is from the website of Hans Jurgen Dopps.
(Mendes: 38-N. Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1919. Website: Venusberg [Hans Jurge Dopps] http://www.venusberg.de/)
A new and genuine edition from the original text. Printed for the Erotica Biblion Society of London and New-York, MCMXXII [1922].
19cm. 312pp. Limited edition of 200 copies. Printed on better paper than above. Possibly published by Duflou.
(Mendes: 38-K. Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1911b)
A new and corrected edition. [S.I.]: Privately Printed, [n.d. c.1927?].
16.5cm. 2 volumes. Vol.1: 160pp. Vol.2: [163]-333pp. Limited edition of 35 copies printed on hand-made paper. 12 photogravure plates in two states: b/w and sanguine. Numerous headpieces.
The plates were first used to illustrate Charle's Hirsch's French translation of '1906' [c.1926].
(Mendes: 38-L)
Or, The life of Fanny Hill. New and improved edition complete and correct according to the original text (London 1749). Hoboken [Philadelphia?]: [n.p.], 1929.
20cm. 211pp. 12 [colored?] plates. Limited edition of 700 copies?
(Kinsey: 823.6 C62 f2 1929. Columbia: B824C589 T33 1929. Princeton: 3679.54.367)
• Ashbee, Henry Spencer. Bibliography of Prohibited Books. New York: Jack Brussel, 1962
• Bibliothèque Erotique Gérard Nordmann, Christies Sale #5445, April 27, 2006
• Bibliothèque Nationale of France. http://www.bnf.fr
• British Library. http://catalogue.bl.uk
• Eros invaincu. La bibliotheque Gérard Nordmann. Genève: Fondation Martin Bodmer, 2004
• Foxon, David. Libertine Literatue in England 1660-1745. New York: University Books, 1965, pp.52-63
• Importante Bibliothèque d'Ouvrages Érotiques: Hotel Drouot, Salle No.13, 1987
• Kearney, Patrick. A History of Erotic Literature. London: Macmillan, 1982
• Kinsey Institute. http://www.kinseyinstitute.org
• Mendes, Peter. Clandestine Erotic Fiction in English 1800-1930. Scolar Press, 1993.
• Rund, J.B. Catalogue of
• Sabor, Peter (editor). Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. New York: Oxford University Press, 1985, p. xii.
• Thompson, Ralph. Deathless Lady. The Colophon, 1935 (No. 2, New Series, Vol. 1), p.207-220
• Venusberg [Hans Jurge Dopps]. http://www.venusberg.de
• Yale University Library. http://www.library.yale.edu