A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Manley, Mrs.
MANLEY, MRS.,
The author of "The Atalantis," was the daughter of Sir Roger Manley, and born in Guernsey, where her father was governor. She became an orphan early, and was deceived into a false marriage by a relation of the same name, to whose care Sir Roger had bequeathed her. He brought her to London, but soon deserted her, and she passed three years in solitude. Then the Duchess of Cleveland, mistress of Charles the Second, took her under her protection; but, being a very fickle woman, she grew tired of Mrs. Manley in a few months, who returned again to her solitary mode of life.
Her first tragedy, called "The Royal Mischief," was acted in 1696, and brought her great applause and admiration, which proved fatal to her virtue. She then wrote "The New Atalantis," in which she spoke freely of many exalted persons; several of the characters in the book being only satires on those who brought about the revolution which placed William and Mary on the throne of Great Britain.
To shield the printer and publisher of these volumes, against whom a warrant was issued, Mrs. Manley voluntarily presented herself before the court of King's-bench as the unassisted author of the "Atalantis." She was confined for a short time, but admitted to bail, and finally discharged. She lived for some time after in high reputation as a wit, and in great gayety. She wrote several dramas, and was also employed in writing for Queen Anne's ministry under the direction, it is supposed, of Dean Swift. She died, July 11th., 1724.