Aspendale (1871)

Aspendale is a historical novel written by Harriet Waters Preston and published in 1871. The story is set in the early 19th century and follows the lives of two young women, Grace Meredith and Edith Carleton, who are brought together by their shared love for music. Grace is a talented pianist who dreams of becoming a professional musician, while Edith is a wealthy heiress who is expected to marry well and conform to societal expectations. As the two women become friends, they navigate the challenges of their different backgrounds and aspirations. Grace struggles to gain recognition for her musical talents in a society that values women primarily as wives and mothers, while Edith grapples with the expectations placed on her to marry for money and status rather than love. Their friendship is further complicated when they both fall in love with the same man, the charming and enigmatic Frank Arlington. As they compete for his affections, they must confront their own desires and the societal pressures that dictate their choices. Aspendale is a compelling tale of friendship, love, and the struggle for self-determination in a society that seeks to limit women's opportunities and aspirations. Through its vivid portrayal of the lives of women in the early 19th century, the novel offers a window into a bygone era while also speaking to universal themes that continue to resonate today.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.