Elizabeth Montagu

Date of Birth: October 2, 1718

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 25, 1800

Biography

Elizabeth Montagu was a prominent British social reformer, literary critic, and writer, often recognized as one of the leading figures of the Bluestocking Circle, a group of intellectual women in the 18th century. Born into a wealthy family, she leveraged her social standing to champion the cause of women’s education and intellectual development. Montagu’s most notable work, “An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear,” published in 1769, offered a critical analysis of William Shakespeare’s plays and was a rebuttal to Voltaire’s criticisms of the English playwright. Her salons, held in her London home and her estate in Sandleford, attracted the era’s most illustrious thinkers, writers, and artists, including Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Through her writings and social gatherings, Montagu sought to elevate the role of women in intellectual society and left a lasting impact on literary criticism and social norms.

5 Interesting Facts about Elizabeth Montagu

1. Elizabeth Montagu was a co-founder of the Blue Stockings Society, which promoted female intellectualism and education during the 18th century.

2. She inherited a substantial fortune from her husband, Edward Montagu, which she used to support various literary and philanthropic endeavors.

3. Montagu was a close friend and correspondent of Samuel Johnson, one of the most significant literary figures of her time.

4. She was known for her lavish parties and gatherings, which were frequented by prominent intellectuals and artists.

5. Montagu’s essay on Shakespeare is considered one of the earliest works of English literary criticism that defended the playwright’s genius against French critics.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elizabeth Montagu

1. “Shakespeare is a vast garden of genius.”

2. “A woman’s reputation is her most valuable possession.”

3. “The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops, but the kind of man the country turns out.”

4. “To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.”

5. “Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Elizabeth Montagu was one of the wealthiest women of her time, with her net worth peaking at approximately £10,000 per year in income from her estates, equivalent to millions by today’s standards.