A Mother’s Spiritual Dialogue, Meditations, and Elegies

Lady Mary Carey's handwritten manuscript provides insights into the multidimensional roles of women as wives, widows, and mothers in 17th-century England, revealing their emotional and spiritual states during hardships such as childbearing, child loss, and war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 135 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Iter Press

Lady Mary Carey (c. 1609–c. 1680) was a noblewoman who examined her life and expressed her views in a handwritten manuscript that she intended for self-reflection and for sharing with restricted audiences of family and friends, rather than for print publication. Her poetry and prose, composed and revised between 1650 and 1658, were important enough to her inner circle that her autograph manuscript was carefully copied by another hand in 1681. In addition to providing us with key insights into womens multidimensional roles as wives, widows, and mothers during the seventeenth century in England, Carey's work teaches us a great deal about a woman's deepest emotional and spiritual states while confronting the hardships of life—from the fears of childbearing to the sorrows over child loss to the terrors of war.

Lady Mary Carey (c. 1609–c. 1680) was a noblewoman who delved into her life experiences and shared her thoughts in a handwritten manuscript, intended for self-reflection and limited circulation among family and close friends rather than for print publication. Between 1650 and 1658, she crafted her poetry and prose, which held significant value within her inner circle. Consequently, in 1681, another hand meticulously copied her autograph manuscript, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Through her work, Lady Mary Carey offers invaluable insights into the multifaceted roles of women during the seventeenth century in England. Her manuscript sheds light on their roles as wives, widows, and mothers, encompassing the challenges and hardships they faced throughout their lives. From the anxieties associated with childbirth to the depths of sorrow experienced after losing children, and even the horrors of war, Carey's writings vividly portray the emotional and spiritual states of women as they navigated the complexities of life.

Moreover, her manuscript serves as a testament to the intellectual and artistic achievements of women during this period. Carey's poetry and prose demonstrate her poetic prowess and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas with finesse. The careful copying of her autograph manuscript in 1681 attests to the significance her work held within her circle, highlighting the importance of women's voices and perspectives in the seventeenth century.

Lady Mary Carey's life and work remind us of the resilience and strength of women in challenging times. Her manuscript offers a glimpse into the private lives of women, shedding light on their experiences and emotions that were often overlooked or marginalized in public discourse. By studying her work, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of seventeenth-century women's lives and the contributions they made to society.

In conclusion, Lady Mary Carey's handwritten manuscript provides a unique window into the lives of seventeenth-century women. Through her poetry and prose, she offers valuable insights into their multidimensional roles as wives, widows, and mothers, as well as their emotional and spiritual states in the face of adversity. Her manuscript's preservation and copying in 1681 highlight the significance of women's voices and perspectives in the seventeenth century, and serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of women in challenging times.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781649590886