Fanny Hill

The latest short drama "Fanny Hill" produced by the BBC is a two-part adaptation of John Cleland's classic novel of the same name. At the beginning of the story, Fanny is just a poor countryside girl who leaves her hometown for the city out of desperation and quickly falls into the world of vice. However, before she completely embarks on this irreversible path, she falls in love with a young man named Charles. Unfortunately, Charles is sent away by his father, leaving Fanny to fend for herself and start searching for wealthier and more powerful patrons for survival. Unlike traditional portrayals of prostitution in novels, Fanny, despite knowing she is being used, does not feel ashamed; on the contrary, she seems to enjoy this corrupt lifestyle. Fanny Hill, created by John Cleland in 1748, is regarded as the first true erotic novel in the history of British literature. When it was first published, it was not met with much criticism or attention. However, the following year, John and his publisher were arrested for obscenity, which undoubtedly ignited interest in this lesser-known novel, leading to rampant piracy, with some versions even incorporating homosexual themes. By the 19th century, the book had made its way to America but was still banned in society and could only circulate underground. In 1963, a publisher re-released it under the title "John Cleland's Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure," but it was soon banned again. This time, however, the publisher did not comply and instead took the matter to court, ultimately winning, which allowed the story to finally see the light of day.