REICHARDT, Annie.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Girl-Life in the Harem. First edition, presenting in the form of a novel Reichardt's observations made while living in Damascus and perhaps other parts of Persia. In 1891, she published an essay, "Mohammedan Women", that excited considerable controversy for its critique of Islam.The account is prefaced by a note from the publisher informing readers that the book is suitable for even the most morally scrupulous of readers. "It would seem that these assurances were intended less to comfort potential readers weary of encountering objectionable material, than to remind them that a significant part of what is 'thrilling' about life in 'oriental climes' is precisely the ever-present threat/promise of sexual impropriety" (Schick).

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