Rational passions

"This anthology of primarily non-fiction works by British women (1702 to 1870) introduces readers to a range of lesser-known texts and examines their authors' scholarly ambition and often groundbreaking achievements." "Despite their lack of civil and political rights and in the absence of formal academic training, each of the writers profiled in this unique collection was anxious to establish herself as a serious contributor to what were regarded as male intellectual traditions. Students of women's history will be reacquainted with Harriet Martineau and Mary Hays' political writings while…