Mary Wollstonecraft

mary wollstonecraft. book gift

Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women's rights, best known for her groundbreaking work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), in which she argued for the equality of women and their right to education. Born in 1759, Wollstonecraft challenged the prevailing societal norms of her time that relegated women to subordinate roles. She advocated for women’s intellectual and social empowerment, emphasising that they should not be confined to domestic duties but should have opportunities to develop their full potential. Her ideas laid the foundation for modern feminist thought and continue to influence discussions on gender equality today. Wollstonecraft’s life was marked by personal struggles, including an unconventional relationship with philosopher William Godwin, and her early death at the age of 38, shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Mary Shelley, who would go on to write Frankenstein. Despite the controversies surrounding her life and work, Wollstonecraft's legacy as a trailblazer for women's rights endures.

Celebrate the revolutionary spirit of Mary Wollstonecraft with our A Room of One’s Own literary wax melt; a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the most important voices in feminist thought and early literature. Made from sustainable rapeseed and coconut wax, this wax melt is a bold statement piece for book lovers, feminist readers, and fans of literary wax melts. 

Whether you're gifting to a fellow reader or adding it to your own collection, this book gift celebrates independence, intellect, and the power of a voice that changed history.A must-have for lovers of classic literature, feminist icons, and thoughtfully made book gifts. 

We take the time to craft our exclusive custom products with carefully designed moulds for our lit lovers. We use a rapeseed and coconut wax blend to enhance our sustainability and scent throw and all of our wax products are made with only the highest quality, cruelty-free fragrance oils and mica powders that are obtained from pure natural minerals and ores to give a beautiful shimmer. You can read more about our ingredients on our wax melt products.

Mary Wollstonecraft Facts and FAQs

Who was Mary Wollstonecraft?

Mary Wollstonecraft was an 18th-century English writer, philosopher, and early advocate for women’s rights. Born in 1759, she is best known for her groundbreaking work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which argued for women’s education and rational equality. Her life and writings laid the foundation for modern feminism, and she remains a central figure in the history of political thought and social reform.

When was Mary Wollstonecraft born?

Wollstonecraft was born on April 27, 1759, in London, England. She grew up in a financially unstable and often abusive household, which shaped her fierce belief in women’s independence and self-determination. Her early experiences fueled a lifelong dedication to education, equality, and intellectual freedom.

Where did Mary Wollstonecraft live?

Wollstonecraft lived in various parts of England and also spent time abroad. She lived in London, Bath, and Newington Green — a hub for radical thinkers. She later spent time in revolutionary France and in Scandinavia. Her wide range of experiences informed her views on politics, gender, and society, all of which appeared in her writings and letters.

How did Mary Wollstonecraft die?

Mary Wollstonecraft died on September 10, 1797, at the age of 38 due to complications following the birth of her second daughter, Mary Shelley. Although she had initially recovered from the delivery, a retained placenta led to a severe infection. Her death was a tragic loss to the intellectual community, and her legacy was carried forward by her daughter and later feminist thinkers.

What is Mary Wollstonecraft famous for?

Wollstonecraft is most famous for A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. In it, she argued that women should be educated not to please men but to develop their own reason and virtue. Her bold assertion that women were rational beings deserving of political and social equality made her both admired and controversial in her time.

Is Mary Wollstonecraft’s work in the public domain?

Yes. All of Mary Wollstonecraft’s writings, including A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and her travel letters and essays, are in the public domain. This allows her work to be freely read, quoted, and adapted, making her a continued presence in educational and literary spaces around the world.

What are some famous quotes by Mary Wollstonecraft?

Wollstonecraft’s prose is clear, impassioned, and intellectually forceful. Some of her best-known quotes include:
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.”
“The beginning is always today.”
“Taught from infancy that beauty is a woman’s sceptre, the mind shapes itself to the body.”
These lines reflect her revolutionary challenge to the social norms of her time.

Do you sell Mary Wollstonecraft-themed gifts?

Yes! Our Mary Wollstonecraft collection includes wax melts and bookmarks inspired by A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and her powerful feminist legacy. Designed for those who appreciate radical thought, literary history, and the enduring fight for equality, these gifts celebrate a woman whose ideas changed the world.

Where is Mary Wollstonecraft buried?

Mary Wollstonecraft is buried in the churchyard of St. Pancras Old Church in London. Her grave became a site of literary and feminist pilgrimage. In the 1850s, her remains were moved alongside her husband, William Godwin, and later joined by their daughter Mary Shelley in Bournemouth, where they are now buried together.

What inspired Mary Wollstonecraft’s writing?

Wollstonecraft was inspired by Enlightenment ideals, radical politics, and her own lived experiences as a woman seeking intellectual and personal autonomy. Her frustration with the limitations placed on women in society — especially in education and marriage — fueled her philosophical arguments and personal choices. Her writing blended political theory with moral urgency, making her one of the most passionate and influential voices of her time.

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