Cœlebs in Search of a Wife
by Hannah More

Hannah More, born in 1745, received a full education as a girl in England. She wrote plays as a young woman, though she later felt remorse over them. She wrote numerous religious tracts and other publications. She and her sister established schools for the poor, and Hannah wrote books for the schools. She died in 1833.

Cœlebs in Search of a Wife was her only novel, published in 1808. It has similarities to the work of Jane Austen, in that it follows a well-to-do young man (Charles) in his effort to identify a proper wife ("cœlebs" means bachelor). It has a clear emphasis on moral uprightness and sincere faith. Charles finally meets his match, the daughter of his father's friend.

Unlike the rich characters in Jane Austen's work who sit around doing nothing, the heroes of this volume use their high social position for good. The book has some wonderful passages about family and education and spiritual discipline. It is a long and challenging read, but it provides an interesting and valuable perspective on life in pre-Victorian England and life in general. (James Blackwood and Co., 1880; republished by Thoemmes Press, 1995)