Mary Wortley Montagu

Date of Birth: May 15, 1689

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 21, 1762

Biography

Mary Wortley Montagu was an influential English writer and poet known for her letters and travel writings, which provided a unique perspective on the 18th century. Born into an aristocratic family, Mary was highly educated and well-read, which was uncommon for women of her time. She married Edward Wortley Montagu, a British diplomat, and traveled extensively, including a significant stay in the Ottoman Empire. Her letters from Turkey, published posthumously, are celebrated for their vivid descriptions and insights into Ottoman society, including her observations on smallpox inoculation, which she championed upon her return to England. Mary was also a part of the literary circle that included figures like Alexander Pope, with whom she had a famously contentious relationship.

5 Interesting Facts about Mary Wortley Montagu

1. Mary Wortley Montagu was one of the first to advocate for smallpox inoculation in England after witnessing the practice in the Ottoman Empire.

2. She was the daughter of the 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, which afforded her a privileged upbringing.

3. Mary had a sharp wit and was known for her satirical writings, which often critiqued the societal norms of her time.

4. Her letters from Turkey are considered some of the earliest and most detailed Western accounts of Ottoman culture.

5. She had a contentious relationship with poet Alexander Pope, which resulted in a series of satirical literary exchanges.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Wortley Montagu

1. “No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.”

2. “Civility costs nothing, and buys everything.”

3. “Life is too short for a long story.”

4. “Nature has not placed us in an inferior rank to men, and it is our own fault if we do not appear in an equal one.”

5. “A good face, they say, is a letter of recommendation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not available, Mary Wortley Montagu was born into and married into significant wealth, which allowed her to live comfortably and travel extensively.

Children

Mary Wortley Montagu had two children: 1. Edward Wortley Montagu the Younger, who had a turbulent life marked by scandal and eccentricity. 2. Mary Stuart Wortley-Montagu, who married John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, and became the mother of 11 children.