A new graphic biography of the legendary 18th-century feminist philosopher who spoke for the other 'one-half of the human race': womankind.

Lo! An Amazon! The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Mary Wollstonecraft

'It is time to effect a revolution in female manners – time to restore to them their dignity.'

As a young woman in the spring of 1784, Wollstonecroft met Samuel Johnson and recognised in his work a like-minded spirit who believed in the intellectual equality of women and men. Over twenty years before her daughter, Mary Shelley, created the science fiction genre with Frankenstein, Mary Wollstonecraft’s 1792 manifesto, Vindication of the Rights of Woman, took the world by storm. Forthright and fearless, she mingled with other radical thinkers of her time and travelled widely. In the same year she published her magnum opus, she even ventured alone to Paris during the Reign of Terror.

In the Age of Revolutions, with many movements springing up to demand greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft spoke out for the other 'one-half of the human race': that of womankind.

This graphic biography of the then-controversial and now-legendary Mary Wollstonecraft comes from the creative partnership of Mary M. Talbot and Bryan Talbot, the award-winning duo behind Dotter of Her Father’s Eyes, Sally Heathcote: Suffragette, and Armed with Madness.

Join us for the launch of this fabulous new work and hear about the life of Mary Wollstonecraft, foundational feminist philosopher and author.

Mary M. Talbot

Mary M. Talbot is an academic turned graphic novelist. Her first graphic novel, Dotter of her Father’s Eyes (with Bryan Talbot), won the 2012 Costa Biography Award. Her more recent, Rain (2019, with Bryan Talbot), is a rallying cry to protect the planet. Her previous graphic novels are Sally Heathcote, Suffragette (2014, with Kate Charlesworth and Bryan Talbot), and The Red Virgin (2016, with Bryan Talbot). Her most recent academic book is Language and Gender (3rd ed, 2019). Her previous graphic novel with Bryan Talbot, and published by SelfMadeHero was Armed with Madness: The Surreal Leonora Carrington (2023).

Bryan Talbot

Multiple award-winning artist Bryan Talbot has been working in comics for over forty years. He’s produced underground, fantasy and superhero stories such as Batman and Sandman, and graphic novels including The Adventures of Luther Arkwright, The Tale of One Bad Rat, Alice in Sunderland, the Grandville series, as well as illustrating the books written by Mary. They are both founding patrons of The Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Bryan was awarded a Doctorate in Arts and another in Letters and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. In 2024, he was inducted into the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Hall of Fame.

Ticket includes a welcome drink and a chance to explore Dr Johnson's House.

Doors open & welcome drink 6pm.

Talk starts 6.30pm.

Event ends 8pm.

Please note, we have limited capacity and early booking is recommended.

Description supplied by the event organiser.