Sources: Fanny Burney

d'Arblay, Frances B.: The Diary of Fanny Burney. London, 1948.

Fanny Burney (1752-1840) was one of six talented children of Dr. Burney, a famous music teacher and music historian in London during the 18th century. Fanny herself was a noted author (Jane Austen called her "our first woman novelist."). Her first novel, Evelina, was published in 1778. In 1786, Fanny Burney became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte. Her period of service in this position ended in July 1791, due to Fanny's ill-health, but her diaries of this period are one of the best sources of information of the Court of George III.

Fanny Burney. Engraving by S. Bull. In: d'Arblay, Frances B.: Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay. London, 1843. v.1, Frontispiece.