Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded Samuel Richardson - For a fascinating glimpse into eighteenth-century morals and values, take a look at Samuel Richardson's Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded. A blockbuster of a bestseller in its day, Pamela recounts the tribulations of a poor housekeeper who is forced constantly to fend off the prurient advances of her employer. Her reward? Pamela is offeredand acceptsher lustful master's hand in marriage and is thrust into upper-class society.