Before Jane Austen, there was Frances Burney (1752-1840). After the astounding success of Evelina, Burney wrote this novel of manners about a young upper class woman whose inheritance from her uncle comes with the stipulation that she find a husband who will accept her name. Beset on all sides by would-be suitors, the beautiful and intelligent Cecilia's heart is captivated by a man whose family's pride in its birth and ancestry would forbid the only son-and-heir's change of name.
