"This study explores the later lives and writings of more than two dozen British women authors active during the long eighteenth century." "Drawing on biographical materials, literary texts, and reception histories, Devoney Looser finds that, far from fading into moribund old age, female literary greats toiled for decades after they achieved acclaim - despite seemingly concerted attempts by literary gatekeepers to marginalize their later contributions." "Illuminating the powerful and often poorly recognized legacy of the British women writers who spurred a marketplace revolution in their earlier years only to find unanticipated barriers to acceptance in later life. Looser opens up new scholarly territory in the burgeoning field of women's studies and aging."--BOOK JACKET.