This text provides a reading of Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess, the 19th-century children's novel. Issues of money, imperialism, class conciousness, gender awareness, and the role of children in nineteenth century society and in literature are all examined in detail. Also discussed are the various cover designs and illustrations for the book, which reflect readers' expectations of content and form. This book is designed to help contemporary readers discover how the novel is relevant to their own lives.