ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on Mary Morris Knowles's early life. It traces her development as a religious writer, advocate for women, embroidery artist, and member of the polite middling classes of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Birmingham, and London. Looking at the connections linking Knowles to her female and male peers provides new insights into how gender functioned in Georgian society, including how gender intermeshed with ethnicity, authorship, fame, and social status. The book provides a close analysis of her participation in the political and cultural life of London, as well as of her maturing religious views and writings. It looks at her friendship with Jane Harry and whether Knowles influenced Harry's decision to become a Quaker. The book explores Knowles's interactions with a wide variety of literary, religious, and political acquaintances in London as the American Revolution presented new challenges to British radicals.
