Mary Wollstonecraft was an English philosopher and writer. Her life was not an easy one. Her father was often violent and reckless with money. He also showed a marked preference for her brother, which made her life at home quite miserable. As a result, she became an early feminist who denied male supremacy, and advocated equal education and opportunities for women. She was one of the first people to argue for gender equality, and is best remembered for her work ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,’ written in 1792. She led a radical and exciting life, mainly in London, but with significant time in France during the Revolution, and with life-changing visits to Ireland, Lisbon, Derbyshire, and Scandinavia.
Mary was an inspiring teacher and an innovative educationalist, arguing for equal education for girls and boys. She drew out the spirit and curiosity of children without stifling them. Later, she created a career for herself as a writer, one of the first women to do so, starting off with reviews and translations. For a long time, Mary supported her parents, brothers and sisters with the money she earned from her writing. She was truly a one woman revolution in herself!
