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Bedtime Biography: Vindication summary

Lyndall Gordon

A Life of Mary Wollstonecraft

4.7 (232 ratings)
30 mins

Brief summary

Bedtime Biography: Vindication by Lyndall Gordon reveals the true story of Mary Wollstonecraft, an unsung feminist philosopher in the 18th century. It sheds light on her life, achievements, and contradictions that continue to inspire or challenge the modern world.

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    Bedtime Biography: Vindication
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    Introduction

    Bedtime Biographies are best when listened to. Check out the audio version to get the full experience!

    Today, Mary Wollstonecraft is enshrined in history as a hero of the women’s rights movement –⁠ perhaps even the very first feminist. She was, in her own words, “the first of a new genus”: a woman who dared to question the reigning belief that women were born inferior to men. 

    Wollstonecraft’s most famous piece of writing, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, made her a celebrity both in her own time and after her death. But what inspired Mary to fight so spiritedly for women’s emancipation? What life experiences shaped her views? Find out in this bedtime biography.

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    What is Bedtime Biography: Vindication about?

    Narrated by Karen Cass

    Vindication (2006) tells the inspiring, thrilling, and often tragic tale of the life of Mary Wollstonecraft, known today as the founder of modern feminism. Drawing on significant moments in Wollstonecraft’s life, from her childhood in an abusive household to her experiences co-founding a school and living in Revolutionary France, it paints a picture of a woman who was as complex as she was brilliant. Throughout every stage of her life, Wollstonecraft was truly an original thinker, and her influence on feminist thought continues to ring out today.

    Bedtime Biography: Vindication Review

    Bedtime Biography: Vindication (2022) by Lyndall Gordon sheds light on the life of a woman who defied societal norms and paved the way for women's rights. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a gripping account of Mary Wollstonecraft's extraordinary journey and her influential work, giving readers insight into a trailblazing figure in the fight for gender equality.
    • Through meticulous research and deep analysis of Wollstonecraft's writings, the book uncovers the complexities of her ideas and the lasting impact of her philosophy.
    • With its immersive storytelling and passionate exploration of feminism, the book provides a compelling narrative that inspires and empowers readers.

    Who should read Bedtime Biography: Vindication?

    • Feminists and people interested in the history of women
    • Fans of stories about tragic heroes
    • Anyone fascinated by the personal lives of famous historical figures

    About the Author

    Lyndall Gordon is a senior research fellow at Oxford University and the author of nine biographies on literary figures. Several of her works have won awards, including Eliot’s Early Years, a biography of T.S. Eliot; Virginia Woolf: A Writer’s Life; and Charlotte Brontë: A Passionate Life.

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    Bedtime Biography: Vindication FAQs 

    What is the main message of Bedtime Biography: Vindication?

    The main message of Bedtime Biography: Vindication is a powerful exploration of the life and work of its subject, offering valuable insights into their achievements and struggles.

    How long does it take to read Bedtime Biography: Vindication?

    The reading time for Bedtime Biography: Vindication varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Bedtime Biography: Vindication a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Bedtime Biography: Vindication is a captivating read, shedding light on the extraordinary life of its subject. It is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in their story.

    Who is the author of Bedtime Biography: Vindication?

    The author of Bedtime Biography: Vindication is Lyndall Gordon.

    What to read after Bedtime Biography: Vindication?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Bedtime Biography: Vindication, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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