Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft

Born: 27/04/1769 Died: 10/09/1797 Gender: Female Genre: Philosophy Occupation: Writer and feminist

Mary 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, London

Featured works

Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Title: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Published: 1792 Format: Prose Genre: Philosophy Learn more
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