Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley

"Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley" is a captivating dual biography that weaves the tumultuous lives of two pioneering women against the backdrop of revolutionary France and Victorian England. Published on April 28, 2015, and a National Book Critics Circle Award winner, this book by Charlotte Gordon delves into the lives of a famed English feminist and her equally formidable daughter. Despite never knowing her mother, Mary Shelley was deeply influenced by Wollstonecraft’s writings and her unyielding fight for gender equality. Both women challenged the societal norms of their times, engaged in taboo relationships, and produced literary works that sparked discussions on gender and racial justice. Perfect for readers in adult education, this narrative not only revisits historical landscapes but also ignites a reflection on contemporary issues of feminism and social justice. Gordon’s masterful intertwining of their lives invites readers to explore how these two women, separated by death, shared a legacy that challenged and changed their world.