The Morality of Marriage: And Other Essays on the Status and Destiny of Woman

Mona Caird (1854-1932) was a British novelist and early radical feminist social critic who insisted on maintaining her independence after marrying. Her 1888 article 'Marriage', in which she criticised marriage for limiting and subordinating women and called for equality between partners, sparked a furious controversy, and brought her widespread recognition. This volume, first published in 1897, contains a collection of Caird's feminist essays. She analyses the indignities marriage caused for women, both historically and contemporaneously, and advocates both equality in marriage (including in domestic duties) and women's economic independence. Caird also examines and criticises contemporary ideals of motherhood, discussing legislation and changes in social attitudes which would improve the lives of mothers. This volume presents a detailed account of controversial late-Victorian radical feminist views and criticisms. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=cairmo