Charles Reade

This 1876-7 novel continued the author's focus on trade unionism from his 1870 Put Yourself in His Place, while adding the element of a female physician named Rhoda Gould to the mix in order to express support for women's rights. Rhoda must overcome the prejudices of the misogynistic Vizard before she can pursue her dream.

A picaresque historical novel by Charles Reade, published in 1861 and set in late medieval Holland and Europe. The novel focuses on the story of a young scribe and illuminator named Gerard Eliason and his love for Margaret Brandt, daughter of a poor scholar. Interacting with them is a cast of vividly drawn characters and various historical personages. The overarching theme through all of their adventures is the conflict between man's obligations to...

Griffith Gaunt wants to marry Kate Payton, who prefers George Neville. When Gaunt sacrifices his inheritance for her, she accepts Gaunt's proposal expecting a quiet marriage. They are happy for years, but Gaunt begins to drink heavily while Kate confides in her Catholic confessor. Gaunt finds his wife and the priest together when she was claiming illness, and attacks the priest, almost killing him. Kate renounces him and he speeds away but falls...

Set in the 15th century, it relates the story revolving about the travels of a young scribe and illuminator, Gerard Eliassoen, through several European countries. Its main theme is the struggle between man's obligations to family and to Church.

Published in 1853, this was Reade's second novel. Based on the life of the Irish actress Margaret Woffington (1720-1760), it was adapted from his successful 1852 stage comedy, Masks and Faces.

This collection (1884) contains fourteen short stories, including "The Knight's Secret," "Exchange of Animals," "Reality," "'There's Many a Slip 'Twixt the Cup and the Lip,'" "Man's Life Saved by Fowls, and Woman's by a Pig," and "Lambert's Leap."

Richard Basset believes his cousin, Sir Charles, has stolen his inheritance. Reade describes insane asylums, the heartless upper class, and scandalously details a sexual relationship between Charles and Rhoda. A review in the London Times suggested to mothers that they should hide such a book from their daughters. Reade riposted with a long and impassioned letter defending his work.