Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle (1623-1673), until
recently remembered more as a flamboyant eccentric than as a
serious writer, was in fact the most prolific, thought-provoking,
and original woman writer of the Restoration. Cavendish is the
author of many poems, short stories, biographies, memoirs, letters,
philosophical and scientific works (including "The Description of a
New World, Called The Blazing World, " the first work of science
fiction by a woman), and nineteen plays.
""The Convent of Pleasure" and Other Plays" collects four of
Cavendish's dramatic works that are among the most revealing of her
attitudes toward marriage and her desire for fame. "Loves
Adventures" (1662) centers on a woman succeeding in war and
diplomacy by passing as a man. Similarly, the heroine of "Bell in
Campo" (1662) rescues her husband at the head of an army of women
in this tale of a marriage of near equals. "The Convent of
Pleasure" (1668) proposes a separatist community of women and has
received attention for its suggestion of lesbian sexuality. "The
Bridals" (1662), a more typical restoration comedy satirizing
marriage, rounds out the collection.
Edited with notes and annotation by Anne Shaver, ""The Convent
of Pleasure" and Other Plays" also contains a timeline, biography
and bibliography of the Duchess, an appreciation of Cavendish's
life and work, and a bibliography of critical essays. Also included
are all of Cavendish's epistles "To the Reader" as well as "Other
Preliminary Matter from Playes" (1662), and Cavendish's original
preface to "Plays Never Before Printed" (1668). A valuable
collection from an extraordinary writer, ""The Convent of Pleasure"
and Other Plays" raises important issues about women and
gender.
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