The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World. by Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle
This month’s featured text is The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing World, by Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle. Cavendish was born Margaret Lucas in 1623 and, due to the death of her father, was raised by her mother. As a young woman, Margaret was placed with Queen Henrietta Maria as a Maid of Honour. When civil war broke out in England, Margaret accompanied the queen into exile in France. Margaret there became acquainted with and married William Cavendish. Though William was thirty years older than Margaret, their marriage was very happy, and William was supportive of Margaret’s desire to write and publish. In her writing she explored many topics, including science and philosophy. She earned the nickname “Mad Madge” because of her flamboyant dress and because she was the first woman in 17th century England to publish extensively and under her own name. In all, she published 23 volumes that included poetry, plays, philosophical and scientific works, a biography of her husband, and an autobiography. Margaret Cavendish died suddenly at the age of 50.

The Blazing World is thought to be the first science fiction book written by a woman. The story centers on a beautiful lady who is kidnapped and eventually finds herself in a different world. In this new world she finds creatures resembling animals from earth but possessing intelligence and the power of speech. Once she has learned their language, she participates in scientific discussions with them, conversing about such topics as medical theories and what is discovered by viewing objects under a microscope. The Blazing World portrays a utopian society and also reflects Cavendish’s feminist ideas. These aspects, combined with the science fiction elements of the novel, made The Blazing World a truly unique work in its time.

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