Margaret Cavendish was extraordinary for any time, let alone the 17th century.
She was a trailblazer in fiction, writing and publishing what many believe to be the first science fiction book - her 1666 work 'Blazing World' imagined a planet led by an Empress.
The story also featured a lesbian affair between the Empress and herself, Margaret Cavendish. Truly, fantastic.
She played a provocative and starring role amongst London's elite, and Samuel Pepys was obsessed with meeting her.
How did he describe her? Why was she the talk of the town in 17th century London? Joining Kate today is Francesca Peacock, author of Pure Wit: The Revolutionary Life of Margaret Cavendish.
This episode was edited by Teän Stewart-Murray, the producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.
Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/
Medieval Torture & Execution
Menopause: History, ‘Hysteria’ & Hormone Revolutions
Sex & Scandal in Charles II's Court
History of Geishas
Drunk Victorians: Moral Panic & Meat Wine
Elvis Presley's Sex Life
Ancient Greek Sexual Health: Wandering Wombs & Headless Beetles
Sex in the Aztec Empire
Fetishwear: A Kinky History
The History of Drag Queens
Sex & Scandal in King James' Court
Viking Royalty: Nicknames, Love Poems & Victorian Myths
History of Sh*t: Aztec Poo Goblins to Viking Turds
Scandalous Sex Lives of Royalty
The Dark History of Ballet
Abraham Lincoln's Sex Life
The Celebrity Sex Worker of Ancient Greece
Viking Sexuality
18th Century Graffiti: Sex, Murder & Rebellion
The Real Joan of Arc
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Gone Medieval
Not Just the Tudors
Empire
Real Dictators