A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

While many of the ideas in Mary Wollstonecraft's early feminist treatise have merit, the repetition of these ideas encased in swathes of commas makes it difficult to read. Perhaps, this book would really shine if an editor's handiwork were evident.

What is most appealing about this book is her proposal that women exercise, learn, and not spend all of their time on fashion, frippery, and flirtation in order to be good mothers and wives. These same ideas certainly apply today!

Another interesting section towards the end lays out a progressive education system, much of which is embedded in today's elementary schools.

It would have been interesting if Ms. Wollstonecraft revisited her opinions after her love affairs, which, unfortunately, blasted her reputation and the positive ideas she promoted. After her relationship with Captain Imlay, did she still think that physical love should stop after the early days of a marriage and that a neglected wife is the best mother?