This biography investigates the life, literary contributions, and social influence of the 18th-century novelist and diarist Fanny Burney. Joyce Hemlow utilizes extensive archival research, including Burney's personal journals and correspondence, to reconstruct the intellectual environment of the Georgian era. The author argues that Burney served as a pivotal figure in the development of the English novel, bridging the gap between the early masters and the later Victorian realists. Hemlow provides a comprehensive examination of Burney's professional struggles and her interactions with the prominent literary figures of her time.

Scholars frequently cite this work as the definitive biographical account of Fanny Burney due to its exhaustive research and scholarly rigor. It is widely considered a foundational text for anyone studying the history of the English novel or the role of women in 18th-century literature.