About Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft (often spelled with a "W" in her last name) was an 18th-century English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women's rights. She is best known for her groundbreaking work, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," published in 1792. Wollstonecraft's ideas and writings laid the foundation for the modern feminist movement.

Here are some key points about Mary Wollstonecraft:

1. Early Life: Mary Wollstonecraft was born on April 27, 1759, in Spitalfields, London, England. She grew up in a financially unstable and abusive household, which had a profound impact on her life and feminist views.
2. Writing Career: Wollstonecraft pursued a career in writing and published several novels and essays. Her most famous work, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," argued for women's equality in education, society, and politics. She asserted that women's lack of education and social opportunities were responsible for their subjugation.
3. Influence: "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" was a groundbreaking and controversial work in its time, challenging prevailing notions of women's inferiority and advocating for women's education and independence. It had a significant influence on the early feminist movement and remains a foundational text in feminist literature.
4. Personal Life: Mary Wollstonecraft had a tumultuous personal life. She experienced failed relationships and two out-of-wedlock pregnancies, which were unconventional for her time. Her daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (later Mary Shelley), became famous as the author of "Frankenstein."
5. Marriage to William Godwin: In 1797, Mary Wollstonecraft married the philosopher William Godwin. Tragically, she died just days after giving birth to their daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, on September 10, 1797.
6. Legacy: Mary Wollstonecraft's ideas about women's rights, education, and independence continue to be influential and relevant. Her work laid the groundwork for subsequent generations of feminists, including the suffragettes of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
7. Posthumous Reputation: Wollstonecraft's personal life and relationships were often scrutinized and criticized by her contemporaries, which tarnished her reputation for some time. However, in the 19th century, her contributions to feminist philosophy and literature were reevaluated, and she is now celebrated as a pioneering figure in the history of feminism.
   
   

Mary Wollstonecraft's advocacy for women's rights and her eloquent writings continue to inspire feminists and social justice advocates today. She remains a prominent figure in the history of women's rights and gender equality.

​To pick up your own copy of her book, "A Vindication of the Rights of Women," visit the link below:

A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft

#marywollstonecraft #authors #philosphers #womensrights #feminism #books #maryshelley #frankenstein #femaleauthors #influencer #reading