Vindication of the Rights of Woman (AmazonClassics Edition), A

First published in 1792, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman tackles many of the punitive patriarchal attitudes that dominated eighteenth-century society. With warmth and passion, Mary Wollstonecraft urges women to prioritize reason over emotion—a necessary step in building the strength of character required to break free from male notions of female fragility and foolishness. Wollstonecraft bases much of her argument in the case for women’s education. Without it, women are merely men’s “slaves” and “playthings”—not the intelligent, rational companions of a just and equal society.

As stirring as when it debuted, Wollstonecraft’s signature work remains an essential text in the feminist literary canon.

AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from iconic authors. Ideal for anyone who wants to read a great work for the first time or revisit an old favorite, these new editions open the door to the stories and ideas that have shaped our world.

Revised edition: Previously published as A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, this edition of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.