Bluestockings: The First Women's Movement

In the 1750s, a group of women in Britain defied societal norms and pursued education, intellectual interests, and political activism, challenging the notion that women were inferior to men. They are known as the Bluestockings. This book explores the lives and legacies of these remarkable women, who paved the way for feminism and inspired future generations of writers and thinkers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

In the 1750s, Britain was a society deeply rooted in patriarchal values, where women were confined to the roles of wives and mothers, with no power or rights of their own. However, a courageous group of women known as the Bluestockings emerged, defying societal expectations and carving out an extraordinary place for themselves against all odds. These women were sophisticated, rich, and skilled, and their achievements highlighted the extraordinary place they carved out for themselves against the constraints of their time.

The Bluestockings were a group of intellectual and literary women who hosted a series of glittering salons in their London drawing rooms. These salons were hubs of intellectual discourse, where a circle of women and men discussed theatre, philosophy, and the classics, competing to outdo each other in wit and brilliance. Elizabeth Montagu, one of the most prominent Bluestockings, hosted these salons and played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the time. She took on Voltaire, a renowned French philosopher, in a debate on women's rights and emerged victorious, using her wit and intelligence to expose the flaws in his arguments.

Another remarkable Bluestocking was Esther Thrale, a woman who managed to juggle the responsibilities of nursing twelve children and helping run her bullying husband's brewery. Despite the challenges she faced, Thrale took key writers under her wing, including Dr. Johnson, who moved into her house for several years. Her vivid diaries offer a powerful chronicle of what happened when she finally decided to follow her heart and pursue her passion for literature.

Hester Thrale's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in a society that often sought to undermine their abilities. She faced numerous obstacles, including the disapproval of her husband and the societal expectations of women, but she refused to be silenced. Instead, she used her intelligence and wit to advocate for women's rights and challenge the status quo.

Ann Yearsley was another Bluestocking who faced discrimination due to her working-class background. She was a poetess who had risen to fame, but her snobbish patron refused to hand over her earnings because he believed that working-class women were irresponsible. Yearsley fought back against this injustice, using her poetry to express her frustration and anger. She refused to be silenced and continued to write and publish her work, despite the obstacles she faced.

Catherine Macaulay was another Bluestocking who made significant contributions to society. Her eight-volume history of England, published in the 18th century, caused a sensation and established her as a leading light in the American Revolution. Macaulay's history was praised for its comprehensive coverage of English history and its commitment to promoting women's rights. However, her unconventional love-life scandalized her contemporaries, who were scandalized by her open relationships and her refusal to conform to societal norms.

The Bluestockings were a group of extraordinary women who defied societal expectations and paved the way for feminism. Their achievements and legacies continue to inspire writers and thinkers to this day, and their story serves as a reminder of the power of women to challenge the status quo and make a difference in the world. In this brilliant book, Susannah Gibson explores the lives and legacies of these and other figures who went on to inspire writers and thinkers from Mary Wollstonecraft to Virginia Woolf and lead the way for feminism.

Bluestockings: the unexpected and inspiring stories of the forgotten heroines of Britain is a must-read for anyone interested in history, literature, and the struggle for women's rights. Gibson's book provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the lives and achievements of these remarkable women, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating and honoring the contributions of women to society.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529369991