Who the Hell is Olympe de Gouges?

For students, teachers and curious minds, our carefully structured jargon-free series helps you really get to grips with brilliant intellectuals and their inherently complex theories. Written in an accessible and engaging way, each book takes you through the life and influences of these great thinkers, then takes a deep dive into three of their key theories in plain English. Smart thinking made easy!

Who the Hell is Olympe de Gouges? looks at an early feminist who has been largely forgotten by history, despite her important political legacy and execution for her beliefs. Beginning with her life story and her transformation into a ‘woman of letters’ in Paris, this book goes on to explore how the social, cultural and political influences of the French Revolution and the Enlightenment impacted upon her work. Looking at her key ideas through her political writings and plays, readers will learn how this remarkable woman not only challenged the white patriarchal structure of society but confronted the powerful influence of the Church, as well as championing the abolition of slavery and all other forms of human rights.