Women's Writing of the Early Modern Period 1588-1688

This multi-genre anthology brings together a wide selection of women's published writing from the Early Modern period. These include writings by Margaret Cavendish, Anne Trapnel, Aphra Behn, Mary Carleton, Elizabeth Cary, Jane Anger and Rachel Speght. The volume covers a representative range of published material from drama, poetry, fictional and polemical prose. Care has been taken to balance complete texts with substantial extracts. The Introduction sets out the aims of the volume and the principles of selection, as well as providing readers with a brief critical introduction to each of the texts. A detailed chronology is included to help readers place the texts in their historical and cultural contexts. Reflecting a range of women's experiences in the century between 1588 and 1688, this anthology provides a collection of material which will be a valuable resource for all teachers of Early Modern literature and women's writing. Features An Introduction which places the writings in historical and literary contexts A chronological table Textual and explanatory notes to each text Author biographies An index of themes which aids teachers in selecting materials to suit their courses A Bibliography of references and further reading which enables students to follow up authors and topics