Most Popular Books by Mary Wollstonecraft

Frankenstein oder Frankenstein oder Der moderne Prometheus (Original: Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus) ist ein Roman von Mary Shelley, der am 1. Januar 1818 erstmals anonym veröffentlicht wurde. Er erzählt die Geschichte des jungen Schweizers Viktor Frankenstein, der an der damals berühmten Universität Ingolstadt einen künstlichen Menschen erschafft. Dabei wird die Handlung durch eine Mischung aus Briefroman und klassischer Ich-Erzählsituation vermittelt. Der Protagonist erzählt dem Leiter einer Forschungsexpedition, zugleich Eigner des Schiffes, das ihn in der Arktis rettet, seine Geschichte. Der Schauerroman hatte großen Einfluss auf Literatur und Populärkultur und gehört zu den bekanntesten Vertretern des Horrorgenres. 2015 wählten 82 internationale Literaturkritiker und -wissenschaftler ihn zu einem der bedeutendsten britischen Romane.

In the landmark text ''A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,'' Mary Wollstonecraft crafts an impassioned and pioneering argument for the equality of the sexes. Straddling the realms of philosophy and literature, her treatise dissects the societal and institutional barriers that deprive women of their essential rights and educational opportunities. With a prose style that is at once fervent and incisive, Wollstonecraft challenges the prevailing Enlightenment thought that consigned women to subservience, advocating instead for a revolutionary revision of the social order predicated on reason and egalitarian ethics. The book''s enduring relevance is anchored in its historical context, as it represents one of the earliest and most influential works in feminist literature, contributing significantly to discussions on gender and education that resonate to this day. Mary Wollstonecraft''s discourse emerges from a life immersed in both intellectual inquiry and direct confrontation with the gendered limitations of her time. Her profound insights into women''s struggles are grounded in personal experience and sharpened by her interactions with the leading thinkers of the Enlightenment. Wollstonecraft''s advocacy in ''A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'' draws from her broader critique of the societal norms and follows her commitment to rationalism and moral improvement. This seminal work is the fruit of a trailblazer who, through her own lived reality and reflective thought, strove to articulate a vision of humanity unencumbered by the arbitrary distinctions of gender. ''A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'' is a must-read for scholars and students of both literature and philosophy, as well as anyone interested in the historical roots of feminist thought. Wollstonecraft''s treatise resonates not just as a historical document, but as a compelling call to action for the intellectual and social liberation of women—a call that remains relevant in contemporary discourse. It offers a profound insight into the formation of feminist principles and eloquently sets forth a plea for a society in which women are recognized as the capable and rational beings they inherently are.

Introduction extracted from The Life and Death of Mary Wollstonecraft by Claire Tomalin c. 1974, 1992. Reprinted by permission of the author.

Frankenstein is a Gothic novel written by Mary Shelley. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque creature through an unconventional scientific experiment. As Frankenstein s creation grapples with his own identity and existence, he seeks revenge on his creator for abandoning him. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god. Shelley s timeless tale challenges the boundaries of humanity and the ethical implications of scientific discovery, making it a cornerstone of both Gothic literature and science fiction.

Originally published: London: Printed for G. and W.B. Whittaker, 1823. In 2 vols.

One of the first works published on feminist philosophy, in response to the theorists of the time that argued that education was not a place for women, Wollstonescraft rebukes such oppressing stances, championing the idea of empowering women in education, politics, and society rather than serving as decorative additions to their husbands.

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: with Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects (1792), written by the 18th-century British proto-feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, is one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. In it, Wollstonecraft responds to those educational and political theorists of the 18th century who did not believe women should receive a rational education. She argues that women ought to have an education commensurate with their position in society, claiming that women are essential to the nation because they educate its children and because they could be "companions" to their husbands, rather than mere wives. Instead of viewing women as ornaments to society or property to be traded in marriage, Wollstonecraft maintains that they are human beings deserving of the same fundamental rights as men.Mary Wollstonecraft (27 April 1759 - 10 September 1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women''s rights. Until the late 20th century, Wollstonecraft''s life, which encompassed several unconventional personal relationships, received more attention than her writing. Today, Wollstonecraft is regarded as one of the founding feminist philosophers, and feminists often cite both her life and work as important influences.