WOLLSTONECRAFT, Mary (1759-1797). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. London: J. Johnson, 1792.

WOLLSTONECRAFT, Mary (1759-1797). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. London: J. Johnson, 1792.

First edition of a seminal work in the history of feminism. ‘As well as being a classic of Enlightenment philosophy, it is probably the earliest sustained philosophical argument for gender equality in English’ (Berges, The Routledge Guidebook, 2013, p.x). Dedicated to Talleyrand, contributing author of the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, one of the fundamental documents of the French Revolution. Wollstonecraft's main argument was ‘built on this simple principle that, if woman be not prepared by education to become the companion of man, she will stop the progress of knowledge, for truth most be common to all’ (page vii). ‘The main part of her book was written in an equally plain and direct style, and it was this, as well as the idea of writing a book on the subject at all, which caused the outcry that ensued’ (PMM). Although there was nothing particularly shocking in her writings, there was much critical reaction, with Horace Walpole describing Mary as a ‘hyena in petticoats’, while Hannah More found the very title so ridiculous that she publicly expressed her intention never to read it. ESTC T50903; PMM 242; Windle A5a

Octavo (210 x 122mm). (Very light scattered spotting). Contemporary sprinkled calf (rebacked preserving the original red morocco lettering-piece). Provenance: contemporary faded short inscription on the title – Iwaki Meisei University (institutional paper shelfmark label on spine with ink stamp on verso of title).

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