The Tests of Time: A Story of Social Life is a novel written by Sara Wood and first published in 1843. The book is a social commentary on the English upper class society of the 19th century and explores the themes of love, marriage, class, and gender roles.The story follows the lives of two sisters, Emily and Caroline, who come from a wealthy family. Emily is the older sister and is described as beautiful, intelligent, and well-educated. Caroline, on the other hand, is portrayed as less attractive and less intelligent but has a kind and gentle nature.The novel explores the different paths that the sisters take in life. Emily is courted by several suitors but ultimately marries for wealth and status, while Caroline marries for love. The book also delves into the challenges faced by women in a society that values their beauty and social status above their intellect and character.Throughout the novel, Wood provides a scathing critique of the upper class society of her time, highlighting the hypocrisy and moral decay that she saw in the lives of the wealthy elite. The book is a fascinating look at the social mores of the 19th century and provides insight into the struggles of women in a patriarchal society.Overall, The Tests of Time: A Story of Social Life is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a glimpse into the world of the English upper class in the 19th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of social norms and gender roles.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.