Display: A Tale

by Jane Taylor

A Tale by Jane Taylor. A Tale is a didactic nineteenth-century novel set in a provincial English town, examining vanity, social class, and the rise of religious devotion. The story follows Elizabeth Palmer, a nineteen-year-old young woman whose love of display and social success stands in contrast to her friend Emily Grey, who is sincere and modest. They are welcomed into the Leddenhurst circle at Stokely, where Miss Weston, a thoughtful governess, guides Emily's awakening to Christian faith and inspires Elizabeth's gradual transformation. Through episodes in the local community—churches and Sunday schools, the reforming zeal of Betsy Pryke, the pious patience of Susannah Davy, and Elizabeth's marriage to Lieutenant Robinson—the novel probes how vanity and worldly ambition collide with humility, duty, and faith. Elizabeth's fortune wanes after her father's death, but a kindly family and Emily's steadfast friendship help her discover a life of quiet service, contentment, and hope in religion. The book champions self-denial, charity, and the Christian ideal of what is truly valuable in life.

252 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2015

About the author

There are several authors on Goodsreads with this name. This is Jane^^^Taylor.

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Jane Taylor was an English poet and novelist. She wrote the words to the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".