A Vindication of Political Virtue: The Political Theory of Mary Wollstonecraft

by Virginia Sapiro

Overview

Nearly two hundred years ago, Mary Wollstonecraft wrote what is considered to be the first major work of feminist political theory: A Vindication of the Rights of Women. Much has been written about this work, and about Wollstonecraft as the intellectual pioneer of feminism, but the actual substance and coherence of her political thought have been virtually ignored. Virginia Sapiro here provides the first full-length treatment of Wollstonecraft's political theory.

Drawing on all of Wollstonecraft's works and treating them thematically rather than sequentially, Sapiro shows that Wollstonecraft's ideas about women's rights, feminism, and gender are elements of a broad and fully developed philosophy, one with significant implications for contemporary democratic and liberal theory. The issues raised speak to many current debates in theory, including those surrounding interpretation of the history of feminism, the relationship between liberalism and republicanism in the development of political philosophy, and the debate over the canon. For political scientists, most of whom know little about Wollstonecraft's thought, Sapiro's book is an excellent, nuanced introduction which will cause a reconsideration of her work and her significance both for her time and for today's concerns. For feminist scholars, Sapiro's book offers a rounded and unconventional analysis of Wollstonecraft's thought.

Written with considerable charm and verve, this book will be the starting point for understanding this important writer for years to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226734910
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	08/15/1992
Edition description:	1
Pages:	394
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Virginia Sapiro is a professor of political science and of women's studies at the University of Wisconsin.

Table of Contents

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Abbreviations
Preface
1. Life and Works
2. The Reasoned, Passionate Self
3. Natural and Unnatural Distinctions
4. The Same Subject Continued
5. Individual, Family, and State
6. Language Politics and Representation
7. Toward the New Order
8. Wollstonecraft and Feminist Traditions
9. Wollstonecraft and the Canon
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

On the 200th anniversary of the publication of English writer Wollstonecraft's (1759-1797) pamphlet A vindication of the rights of women, Sapiro (political science and women's studies, U. of Wisconsin) examines Wollstonecraft's works with particular emphasis on their significance both for feminist theory and democratic political theory. Very nicely done, with a minimum of critical jargon, and deserving of a wide audience. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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