The True and Authentic History of Jenny Dorset

By Philip Lee Williams

Book Overview

Set in a city as lively and absorbing as the novel's writing, The True and Authentic History of Jenny Dorset is a comic historical epic with a memorable heroine. The novel, while parodying the style of eighteenth-century novelists such as Henry Fielding and William Thackeray, charts the growth of the beautiful Jenny Dorset as she matures from a headstrong child into a tenacious freedom fighter and leader of the Daughters of Liberty as the Revolutionary War approaches. Henry Hawthorne, an astute and witty family servant, narrates this adventure that follows the rise of and humorous feud between two eccentric low-country plantation families. The True and Authentic History of Jenny Dorset is an exciting and often hilarious novel that is entertaining reading for anyone who loves a good adventure and alluring characters.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0820323349
• ISBN13: 9780820323343
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: University of Georgia Press
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Humor and Wisdom of a by gone era

Mr. Williams' story is filled with rollicking humor, wit, and wisdom. Vividly written, the reader is drawn into 18th century Charleston, and into the lives of two families, the Dorsets and the Symthes. Each and every character is memorable. You will laugh and cry reading this book. It has a permament place in my personal library. I loved it so much, I rushed out and bought several copies to give to friends and family. Mr. Williams deserves far more credit for his writing genius!

History coupled with charming wit

Williams' ambitious novel The True & Authentic History of Jenny Dorset is a refreshing medley of life in Charleston's 18th century, seasoned tastily with charming wit and intriguing characters. A truly enjoyable read, the tale is written with a sincere flare and comes alive to the reader. More notably is the method in which Williams characterizes each member of the families involved in the story's plot - from the dueling heads, Mr. Dorset and Mr. Smythe, to Old Bob in his amusing stages of senility, and the ostentatious Jenny Dorset herself. The reader will undoubtedly find the rich story line is highly entertaining, and written in a very lively manner. The tale is penned from the perspective of Henry Hawthorne, the Dorset's discerning and subdued family man servant. Hawthorne patiently abides by the family's somewhat eccentric and unruly lifestyle, and writes about his experiences first-hand, in memoir-like style. Indeed, this novel is a great story-tellers' delight! The True & Authentic History of Jenny Dorset manifests very engaging humour with every flip of a page - more than once have I been in the throws of violent chuckles over it's whimsical comments and situations. It has quickly grown to be one of my favorites. I highly recommend it.

Funny novel

This book is funny and I loved it.

A comic, epic, historical, adventure story?! Huh?! IT WORKS!

This is a great, great book. Highly recommended to anyone interested in a funny-historical-adventure story. Philip Lee Williams is a great author. Memorable characters, a funny and engaging storyline, and history in pre-revolutionary Charleston are just some of the things I find to recommend about this book. The book is also one of the most attractively designed books I have ever seen. Do yourself a favor and check it out... you won't be sorry.