MARGARET CAVENDISH (1623-1673)

Margaret Cavendish, a seventeenth century closet dramatist known for her flamboyant attire and unconventional opinions on politics, marriage, science, philosophy and other various subjects was the last of eight children born to Elizabeth Leighton Lucas and Thomas Lucas of Colchester, Essex in 1623.

 After the death of her father in 1625, Margaret was raised by her mother in meager surroundings with a minimal education.

 In 1642, after her home was raided by Protestant civil war soldiers, Margaret left home to join the court of Queen Henrietta Maria as a maid of honor.

 Margaret followed the exiled queen to France in 1644 where she met William Cavendish and married.

 Marrying into a family of writers, William's two daughters were also dramatists, Margaret began her illustrious writing career in 1653.

 Following the Restoration, Margaret and William returned to London in 1660. The decade was good to the couple with Margaret publishing Playes Written by the Thrice Noble, Illustrious and Excellent Princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastlein 1662, the appointment of William as Duke of Newcastle in 1665, and Margaret's publication of Plays, Never Before Printed in 1668.

 Margaret Cavendish is known for her views on feminism and chastity in marriage and her accomplishment in the publishing arena. Cavendish's other published works include Poems and Fancies,Philiosophical Fancies,and Sociable Letters.