“Rivero’s thoughtful editorial choices have created a text that will suit readers new to Defoe and practiced scholars alike. While prioritizing Defoe’s own vision, this judicious and elegant update also makes clear why
Moll Flanders
has generated passion and critical controversy for more than three centuries.”—MANUSHAG N. POWELL, Purdue University
“This revised edition of Moll Flanders is fantastic! Albert J. Rivero has assembled wonderful new primary sources and timely critical essays that help situate Defoe’s novel in its legal, intellectual, and cultural contexts. The edition will be immensely useful for instructors and students alike.”—MELISSA J. GANZ, Marquette University
This Norton Critical Edition includes:
The complete first edition (1722) text of the novel.
Albert J. Rivero’s revised preface, annotations, and essay on the novel’s textual history.
A selection of contextual materials, including documents on convict transportation and colonial laws, contemporary accounts of criminals, and a brand-new selection of Defoe’s own writings on similar issues.
Nine critical interpretations—five of which are new to the Second Edition—analyzing important themes, such as economic necessity and gender relations.
A chronology of Defoe’s life and a selected bibliography.