
Mary Wollstonecraft
Mary Wollstonecraft
Born: 27/04/1769 Died: 10/09/1797 Gender: Female Genre: Philosophy Occupation: Writer and feministMary Wollstonecraft was one of the Britain’s first great feminist writers. She wrote in various genres – history, novels, travel, even a children’s book – but it is her A Vindication of the Rights of Woman for which she is best known. Her personal life was as wide-ranging as her writing: she had two intense affairs, and attempted suicide more than once, before marrying the radical philosopher William Godwin. Thanks to the exposure of her personal life, she was not well regarded after her death, but the emergence of the feminist movement saw her reputation in the 20th century elevated to that of major founding feminist philosopher.
Image source: Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie © National Portrait Gallery, LondonFeatured works
Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
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