Mary Wollstonecraft
Biography
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women’s rights, widely regarded as one of the founding feminist thinkers. Born in London, she worked as a teacher, governess, and translator before establishing herself as a professional writer. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) is her most famous work, arguing that women are not naturally inferior to men but appear so only because of their lack of education. She traveled to revolutionary France and Scandinavia, writing vividly about both. She married William Godwin and died from complications following the birth of their daughter, Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein).
Common themes in Mary Wollstonecraft's work
Feminism
A recurring theme throughout Mary Wollstonecraft's writing.
Women's rights
A recurring theme throughout Mary Wollstonecraft's writing.
Education reform
A recurring theme throughout Mary Wollstonecraft's writing.
Enlightenment philosophy
A recurring theme throughout Mary Wollstonecraft's writing.
Books
Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
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Why Mary Wollstonecraft is still read today
Wollstonecraft is a foundational figure in feminist thought. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman remains one of the most important works in the history of feminism and is widely studied today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mary Wollstonecraft?
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) was a pioneering English feminist writer whose A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is a foundational text of feminism.
What are her major works?
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and Letters Written in Sweden. Both are available free on TextStack.
Is she related to Mary Shelley?
Yes, Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein) was her daughter. Wollstonecraft died shortly after giving birth to her.
Where can I read Wollstonecraft free?
TextStack offers Wollstonecraft’s works to read free online.
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