The Two Emilys

Although Sophia Lee is best known for her historical romance about the fictive daughters of Mary, Queen of Scots, The Recess (1783-85), her The Two Emilys (1798) is a fast-paced novel of vengeance and triumph that equally showcases her talents. In The Two Emilys, masquerade, an earthquake, bigamy, insanity, blackmail, and duels serve the demonic Emily Fitzallen in her drive for revenge on her counterpart and the novel's heroine. Emily Arden, and the man over whom they do battle, the Marquis of Lenox. Will the good Emily or the evil one prevail? Featuring a wild, improbable plot and action that ranges from Ireland and Scotland to Switzerland and Italy, The Two Emilys remains an unpredictable and thrilling Gothic tale. First published as part of Canterbury Tales, Sophia Lee's collaboration with her sister Harriet, The Two Emilys has been out of print for more than 150 years. It returns to print in a scholarly edition, introduced and annotated by Julie Shaffer, and featuring a wealth of additional materials, including contemporary reviews of the novel, excerpts from related eighteenth century works, a detailed bibliography, and more.