42. Mary Astell — The First Feminist
Born a generation before Mary Wollstonecraft, seventeenth-century English philosopher Mary Astell wrote the groundbreaking works A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, her plea and plan for the education of women, and an indictment of early modern marriage called Some Reflections upon Marriage. Her work was praised by contemporaries, including Robinson Crusoe author, Daniel Defoe. In this week’s mini episode, find out more about Astell and why we should all know who she is.
Discussed in this episode:
Lost Ladies of Lit Episode 38: The American Guide Series
Libros Schmibros Lending Library
“How a COVID-era Federal Writers Project Went from Wild Idea to a Proposed Bill” (LA Times)
A Serious Proposal to the Ladies by Mary Astell
Some Reflections Upon Marriage by Mary Astell
Lost Ladies of Lit Episode 34: Anna Komnene — Europe’s First Female Historian
Letters Concerning the Love of God by Mary Astell and John Norris
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe