Regina Maria Roche’s legacy is that of a ‘minor’ Gothic writer, paling in comparison to the likes of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. Yet, during her lifetime, she was widely celebrated, some of her novels becoming bestsellers and appearing in numerous editions and languages.
eighteenth century women
Maligned Women: Marie Antoinette
The last Queen of France is probably among the most maligned women in history, perceived as insensitive and cruel. In reality, she was modest and frugal, and once much-loved by her subjects. So how did she end up executed by a cheering mob?
Pirates: Six Biographies
Six short biographies of ruthless female pirates across history.
V is for… Velu Nachiyar
India has its fair share of female warriors in its history, but one of the first was a woman named Velu Nachiyar, the first Queen of Sivaganga estate. She was the first queen to take on British colonial powers in India, and she emerged victorious, restoring her kingdom to its former glory.
O is for… Onake Obavva
Sometimes, the most ordinary people can do the most extraordinary things - a fact that is especially true for Onake Obavva, a regular woman living in Karnataka, India, who in an instant became one of the area's most celebrated female warriors.
Maria Anna Mozart – Forgotten Genius
When it comes to Mozart, words such as ‘genius’ and ‘prodigy’ are usually assigned to Wolfgang. Yet it was Maria Anna, Wolfgang’s elder sister, about whom these words were first written - she may have even been the greater genius of the family, but sadly we will never know. Nannerl's talent and compositions have been lost, forgotten and eclipsed by her brother.
Anne Bonny – Pirate Queen of the Caribbean
Anne Bonny's life is shrouded in mystery, the only concrete evidence of her history coming from a source of questionable credibility. Nevertheless, she has intrigued historians and the general populace for centuries - but why?
Phillis Wheatley – A Revolutionary Poet
In 1761, a young girl of seven or eight was taken from her home and sold into slavery. She became Phillis Wheatley, a woman who is now known as the first African-American author of a published book of poetry.
Anne of Great Britain – England’s Forgotten Queen
Queen Anne had a tragic life, suffering the losses of almost everyone she had loved. History remembers her as weak, ineffective, and constantly under the thumb of her 'favourites'. Yet, this could not be further from the truth.