A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

by Mary Wollstonecraft
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5425
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780760754948
  • Publisher: Barnes & Noble Publishing
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 3

In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft boldly challenged the societal norms of her time with A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. This seminal work argues against the prevailing notion of women as mere ornaments, instead calling for equal educational opportunities and the dismantling of prejudice. Wollstonecraft's passionate and forthright arguments laid the foundation for modern feminism, despite initial reactions ranging from admiration to outrage. Wollstonecraft's work was revolutionary for its time, advocating for women to be defined by their professions rather than their marital status. Her ideas were met with resistance, including derogatory labels like 'hyena in petticoats,' but her influence endures, cementing her status as the mother of modern feminism.

Reviews
Philosophy Now · 2017-07-17
pioneering 4.50

Wollstonecraft delivers a pioneering and convincing argument for equality between men and women. The book is a classic of post-revolutionary thought.

This review praises Wollstonecraft's pioneering and convincing argument for equality, noting that the book is a classic of post-revolutionary thought shaped by the Enlightenment. The reviewer emphasizes the book's enduring impact on women's lives worldwide, highlighting its relevance and timelessness. They appreciate the author's ability to present a compelling case for equality, making the book an essential read.

Quick quotes

    In this book Wollstonecraft delivers a pioneering and convincing argument for equality between men and women.

    A classic of post-revolutionary thought, shaped by the Enlightenment, Wollstonecraft's Vindication changed life for women the world over.

    The essence of the book in regard to the education of women is still relevant.

The Guardian · 2017-07-17
essential 4.25

The book is an extraordinary blend of reason and sentiment, with a poetic style. It remains an essential read despite its age.

This review notes that the book is an extraordinary blend of reason and sentiment, with a poetic style that makes it compelling. The reviewer appreciates the book's enduring relevance, particularly in regard to the education of women. They highlight the book's essential nature, despite its age, and its continued importance in contemporary discussions about gender equality. The poetic and reasoned approach of the author is particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    It was an extraordinary blend of reason and sentiment.

    Her style is poetic.

    Despite all this, 'Vindication' remains an essential read.

Sipech's Wordpress Blog · 2014-11-10
insightful 4.00

The book is written with great verve and presents a surprising admission about the weaker sex. It combines invective and rhetoric effectively.

This review highlights the book's energetic and rhetorical style, noting that it starts with a surprising admission about women being the weaker sex. The reviewer appreciates the invective and rhetorical prowess of the author, making the arguments compelling and engaging. They also mention that the book's observations about men and women during the Regency era are remarkably accurate, suggesting that Wollstonecraft's insights remain relevant and insightful.

Quick quotes

    It is invective, rhetorical and written with great verve.

    She begins with a rather surprising admission: that women are the weaker sex.

    Mary Wollstoncraft is pretty well spot on with her observations of men and women as they were in Regency times.

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