The Lover's Watch (Hesperus Classics) - Softcover

Hesperus Press, as suggested by their Latin motto, Et remotissima prope, is dedicated to bringing near what is far—far both in space and time. Works by illustrious authors, often unjustly neglected or simply little known in the English–speaking world, are made accessible through a completely fresh editorial approach and new translations.

Through these classic works, which feature forewords by leading contemporary authors, the modern reader will be introduced to the greatest writers of Europe and America. An elegantly designed series of genuine rediscoveries.

Born in the first few decades of the seventeenth century, Aphra Behn is one of early literature s best-known female writers. Behn had the lucky distinction of being able to support herself strictly by her pen, something unheard of for women of her time. Throughout her long career, she wrote in various formspoetry, plays, proseand is known as a member of the fair triumvirate of wit alongside fellow scribes Eliza Haywood and Delarivier Manley. Although little is known about her early life, Behn s father held a post as lieutenant governor of Surinam, and Behn s experiences during her stay most likely formed the basis for her most famous work, Oroonoko. Behn was also a popular dramatist in her time, penning critical successes like The Rover and The Feigned Courtesans. Her literary exploits aside, Behn is also known to have acted as a political spy for King Charles II of England during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Behn died in 1689, and is buried in Westminster Abbey.