Susanna Rowson Books

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, the novel follows the tragic journey of Lucy Temple, the daughter of the abandoned Charlotte Temple. After Lieutenant John Montraville seduces Charlotte, she leaves her life behind, only to face betrayal and hardship in a foreign land. The story explores themes of innocence, seduction, and the consequences of choices, shedding light on women's sexuality in literature. This edition reintroduces Rowson's poignant narrative, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary readers while maintaining its historical significance.

Charlotte Temple is a naïve girl who is courted by an older man and brought to America where she is left alone, pregnant and afraid. It is a heartbreaking story about lost innocence, betrayal and prolonged guilt. Charlotte Temple is a 15-year-old girl from a loving British family who catches the eye of the charismatic soldier, John Montraville. With the help of Charlotte's schoolteacher, Montraville is able to convince her to leave home and join him in America. Separated from her family, Charlotte falls on hard times when Montraville eventually abandons her. She is left alone and pregnant, unable to find support due to her child's illegitimacy. Charlotte reaches out to her nobleman father hoping to be brought back into the family fold. Charlotte Temple is a love story that ends in unexpected tragedy. It is fueled by the neglect of a young girl, whose life is changed forever. With more than 200 editions produced in the U.S., Temple is considered Rowson's most popular work. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Charlotte Temple is both modern and readable.

Charlotte Temple by Susanna Rowson was first published in England in 1791 entitled Charlotte, A Tale of Truth. The first American edition was published in 1794 and became a much loved bestseller.