Mary Wortley Montagu Biography
| Born as | Mary Pierrepont |
| Known as | Lady Mary Wortley Montagu |
| Occup. | Writer |
| From | England |
| Spouse | Edward Wortley Montagu (1712-1761) |
| Born | May 26, 1689
Holme Pierrepont Hall, Nottinghamshire, England |
| Died | August 21, 1762
London, England |
| Aged | 73 years |
Early Life
Mary Wortley Montagu (née Mary Pierrepont) was born on May 26, 1689, in London, England, into a rich and influential family. She was the daughter of Evelyn Pierrepont, the 5th Earl of Kingston and later 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, and Lady Mary Fielding. Due to her family's status, Mary matured amongst the stylish circles in England and was provided a strong education by personal tutors, uncommon for a woman in her era.
Profession and Education
Having developed a passion for literature, Mary dedicated herself to reading and composing extensively. She quickly acquired recognition as a competent writer during her early years. Despite the absence of official college for women in the 18th century, Mary succeeded in mastering several languages, including French, Italian, and Latin, which enabled her to access a wealth of understanding. She was likewise known for her wit and intelligence, which added to her gaining respect among her peers.
In 1712, Mary wed Edward Wortley Montagu, a Whig politician and scholar. The couple transferred to Westminster, where Mary established herself as a prominent figure in London's intellectual and social circles. She befriended some of the era's most renowned authors, consisting of
Alexander Pope and
Jonathan Swift, who admired her skill and intellect.
Travel to the Ottoman Empire
In 1716, Edward Wortley Montagu was selected as the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and the couple moved to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). During her time in the Ottoman Empire,
Mary Wortley Montagu started studying the regional cultures, customs, and languages and became one of the very first European females to learn Arabic and Turkish.
Introduction of Smallpox Inoculation
Among
Mary Wortley Montagu's most considerable accomplishments took place during her time in the Ottoman Empire. She found the practice of inoculation against smallpox, where a percentage of the live virus was introduced to the body, causing resistance when exposed to the disease. Having actually lost her more youthful bro to smallpox and having endured a severe case herself that left her face scarred, Mary aspired for more information about this preventative method.
Upon her go back to England in 1718, Mary became a singing advocate for smallpox shot, sharing her understanding about the Turkish approach with the British medical community. With her support, Princess Caroline licensed a trial of the shot on numerous prisoners, which proved effective. In 1721, she presumed regarding have her own kids inoculated-- an act that stimulated debate and fascination within British society. Thanks to her efforts,
Mary Wortley Montagu played a crucial role in the development of immunization in western medicine.
Writing Career and Legacy
Throughout her life time,
Mary Wortley Montagu continued to compose letters, essays, poems, and other works, resolving different topics, including matters of politics, gender, and culture. Her best-known work is the collection of letters she wrote during her time in the Ottoman Empire, later published as "Turkish Embassy Letters", using a personal and insightful viewpoint into 18th-century Ottoman society and affecting the growing interest in Eastern cultures in Europe.
Mary Wortley Montagu's boldness and intelligence were also shown in her writings on women's rights and education, which contributed to the emergence of feminist ideas in the 18th century. In spite of dealing with many challenges as an independent thinker and writer, Mary stood firm in sharing her concepts and advocating for the causes she believed in.
Later Life and Death
After separating from her partner in 1739,
Mary Wortley Montagu relocated to continental Europe, primarily residing in France and Italy, where she continued to compose and correspond with prominent figures in England up until her death. She died on August 21, 1762, in London, and her large collection of writings, consisting of letters, poems, essays, and translations, were posthumously published and commemorated for their amazing insights and wit.
In conclusion,
Mary Wortley Montagu was a pioneering lady who contributed significantly to British literature in addition to the understanding of Ottoman culture and the development of smallpox shot. Her intellect and determination, coupled with her fearless nature, left an enduring legacy and function as a motivation for future generations.
Our collection contains 19 quotes who is written / told by Mary.
Related authors: Alexander Pope (Poet), Mary Astell (Writer), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Jonathan Swift (Writer), Mary Wortley (Royalty)
Mary Wortley Montagu Famous Works:
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