Women's Writing in English

This book examines the diverse genres of early modern women's writing, highlighting significant contributions and cultural contexts. Women's Writing in English opens up a rich literary landscape.

This comprehensive exploration of early modern women's writing delves into various genres, including translation in theological discourse, romance, classical tragedy, original meditations, prayers, letters, diaries, poetry, closet drama, advice manuals, and prophecies. In Women's Writing in English, Patricia Demers presents an insightful introduction to the diverse contributions of women writers in England from the sixteenth century to the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. She highlights the creative achievements of these authors while examining the cultural contexts that shaped their writing experiences.

Demers addresses the societal restrictions and suspicions surrounding women's education during this period, which have obscured their contributions to literature and the print industry. A close study of six prominent authors—Mary Sidney, Aemilia Lanyer, Elizabeth Tanfield Cary, Lady Mary Wroth, Margaret Cavendish, and Katherine Philips—reveals their roles as poets, dramatists, and creators of romantic fiction. The book invites readers to appreciate the nuance and boldness with which these women approached writing as a social craft.

In Women's Writing in English, Demers connects well-known women writers with lesser-known figures, providing fresh insights for both students and specialists. Her nuanced readings of women's rhetoric and the social, political, and gendered anxieties surrounding their work contribute to a deeper understanding of early modern literature. This book serves as a valuable resource for those exploring the rich landscape of women's writing in this historical context.