John Cleland

About

British writer best remembered for a 1748 novel entitled Fanny Hill: or, the Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. His other works include Memoirs of a Coxcomb and The Surprises of Love.

Before Fame

He wrote his famous novel while serving time in a London debtors' prison.

Trivia

He wrote several unsuccessful comedies and dramas for the stage.

Family Life

He was born in Surrey, England and raised in London. He never married, and the subject matter of his literary works has led critics to surmise that he was likely a homosexual.

Associated With

His father, William Cleland, was a close friend of poet Alexander Pope .