Member-only story

The Life and Times of Margaret Cavendish: A Pioneer of Science Fiction and Proto-Feminism

E.E. Cummings

·5k Followers· Follow

Published in Margaret Cavendish (NYRB Poets) Per L Bylund

4 min read

182 View Claps

26 Respond

Save

Listen

Margaret Cavendish was a pioneering writer, philosopher, and scientist who lived in the 17th century. She is considered one of the first science fiction writers and a proto-feminist. Her work was often controversial and ahead of its time, but she was a prolific and influential writer who left a lasting legacy.

Margaret Cavendish (NYRB Poets)

by Per L. Bylund

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages

Early Life and Education

Margaret Cavendish was born in Colchester, England, in 1623. Her father was a wealthy landowner, and she received a good education for a woman of her time. She studied Latin, Greek, and philosophy, and she was also interested in science and mathematics.

In 1643, Cavendish married William Cavendish, who later became the Duke of Newcastle. The couple lived in exile in France during the English Civil War, and Cavendish began to write plays and poems. In 1651, she published her first book, The Philosophical and Physical Opinions, which was a collection of essays on science and philosophy.

Writing Career

Cavendish was a prolific writer, and she published over 20 books in her lifetime. Her work included plays, poems, novels, and essays on a wide range of topics, including science, philosophy, religion, and politics.

One of Cavendish's most famous works is her novel The Blazing World, which was published in 1666. The novel tells the story of a woman who travels to a utopian world where women are in charge. The Blazing World is considered one of the first science fiction novels, and it is still read and enjoyed today.

Cavendish's work was often controversial, and she was criticized for her unconventional views on gender and religion. However, she was also a respected writer, and her work was praised by many of her contemporaries.

Legacy

Margaret Cavendish was a pioneer in many ways. She was one of the first women to write science fiction, and she was also one of the first women to write about feminism. Her work was ahead of its time, and it has had a lasting influence on literature and thought.

Cavendish is still remembered today as one of the most important writers of the 17th century. Her work has been translated into many languages, and it is still read and studied by scholars and readers alike.

Margaret Cavendish, A 17th Century Writer, Philosopher, And Scientist Who Is Considered One Of The First Science Fiction Writers And A Proto Feminist. Margaret Cavendish (NYRB Poets) Per L Bylund