Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded [by S. Richardson]. [another]

First published anonymously in 1740, Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded is widely considered one of the earliest examples of the English novel. Samuel Richardson, a printer by trade, wrote the story in the form of letters, a technique he employed to provide a deep, subjective look into the psyche of his protagonist. The narrative focuses on a young servant girl who steadfastly maintains her virtue against the advances of her employer, eventually leading to their marriage and her rise in social status.

The novel's publication caused a sensation in 18th-century England, sparking both immense popularity and fierce debate. Critics argued over the moral implications of Pamela's behavior, with some contemporary writers even penning satires to mock the sentimentality of the plot. Despite these controversies, the work was a massive success, influencing the trajectory of literary realism and establishing the epistolary format as a cornerstone of early prose fiction.