Richardson started as an apprentice to a printer and in 1721, set up his own printing house, which grew rapdily to become one of the best printing houses in London. Originally commissioned to write a volume of letters, Richardson decided to weave the letters into what is purported to be the first novel in English, Pamela: or, Virtue Rewarded (1740). In 1747-48 he published his second novel, Clarissa Harlowe: or, The History of a Young Lady, using the same model of letters to form his story. His other important work was The History of Sir Charles Grandison (1753-54). Richardson's private life was filled with tragedy beginning with the death of his wife after only 10 years of marriage and the loss of eight children. |
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