Much has been written about Thrale, friend and hostess of Samuel Johnson, but this is the first study to focus on Piozzi as the writer. In his narrative of her life, McCarthy draws on a large body of published and unpublished sources to map Piozzi's literary development, define her literary identity, and evaluate her achievement. In addition to reexamining her best-known works, he present the first serious treatment of her poetry, political works, and historical writings.

Originally published in 1985.

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