Born: 6 October 1565, France
Died: 13 July 1645
Country most active: France
Also known as: Marie de Jars
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Marie de Gournay was a prominent French writer known for her contributions to literature and her advocacy for women’s education and rights. Gournay authored various literary works, including the notable “The Equality of Men and Women” (Égalité des hommes et des femmes, 1622) and “The Ladies’ Grievance” (Grief des dames, 1626). She was also a self-taught scholar, mastering Latin and delving into the writings of Michel de Montaigne.
Gournay’s association with Montaigne began when she wrote him a letter in 1588. This encounter led to her being recognized as his “adopted daughter.” In 1595, after Montaigne’s death, she took on the task of editing and publishing his “Essays.” Gournay’s commitment to women’s education and her literary pursuits made her a prominent figure among Paris intellectuals.
Marie de Gournay’s influence extended beyond her writing. She found support from influential figures, including Queen Margo, Henry IV of France, and other notable personalities. Her translations of classical works and her contributions to literary criticism challenged the societal norms of her time. In 1622, she published “Égalité des Hommes et des Femmes,” a fervent defense of women’s rights dedicated to Queen Anne d’Autriche. Gournay’s legacy endures as one of the earliest advocates for gender equality, a proto-feminist, and a pioneer in French literary criticism, with her collected works spanning nearly 1,000 pages.
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