Cambridge Edition of the Works of Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea

"This is the first ever complete critical edition of the writings of Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661-1720), including work printed in her lifetime and material left in manuscript form at her death. Textual analysis, based on print and manuscript copies in repositories across the United Kingdom and United States, reveals her revision processes and uses of manuscript and print. Extensive commentary clarifies her techniques, sources, contexts, and diction. A detailed essay traces the history of her works' reception and transmission. The result is a complete view of her achievements that will promote more accurate assessments of her contributions to literary and cultural shifts, including perspectives on literary value, women's equality, religion, and affairs of state. This first volume provides established texts of Finch's early manuscript books, including Poems on Several Subjects and Miscellany Poems with Two Plays written under her pen name, Ardelia"-- "The book begins with a summary of what has been available in previous editions of her work and how they differ from this edition. This is followed by an explanation of the major choices in arrangement and copy-texts made fo