One of the earliest works of feminist philosophy, ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ argues that women should receive a rational education.
A response to the educational and political theorists of the 18th century at the time, Wollstonecraft’s essay invites readers today to peak behind the scenes at the early fight for rights for women.
Whilst the term ‘feminist’ did not emerge until years after the publication – and death of Wollstonecraft - ‘A Vindication’ remains today an influential step in the advocacy for women’s education and equal social status.
A must-read for fans of Helena Bonham Carter and Carey Mulligan in Netflix’s acclaimed ‘Suffragette’ film.
The founding feminist philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights. Whilst her unconventional relationships attracted more attention that her writing at the time, Wollstonecraft is best known for ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’; a ground-breaking work arguing that women are not naturally inferior to men.
Despite her posthumously published ‘Memoir’ overshadowing her writing career for almost a century, Wollstonecraft remains today an influential figure in the advocacy for women’s rights following the feminist movement at the turn of the 20th century. She died giving birth to her second daughter, Mary Shelly, the accomplished author of ‘Frankenstein’.
