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Home > Bluestocking Members > Member Biographies > Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter


Courtesy of
National Photo Gallery (1890)

Elizabeth Carter was born in 1717 in Deal, Kent to Margaret and Nicholas Carter. Her family included at least two siblings, and her father is credited with providing her a strong education. As a child, she studied a variety of subjects, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese, astronomy, ancient geography, history and music. During her youth, Elizabeth exemplified an extraordinary mental toughness and determination which aided her in becoming the most learned of the Bluestockings.

Elizabeth began writing young, and was first published in 1734, at the age of 16, in a gentlemen’s magazine. She was the most prolific member of the first generation Bluestockings, publishing of her works rapidly, but withdrew from the public world 40 years before her death.

Elizabeth’s personal qualities align her well with the ideals of the Bluestockings. Elizabeth never married, to remain free from the commitment. She was notably conservative, adhering to her religious beliefs as the overall indicator of a moral and pious life. She believed that women needed to exert themselves intellectually for their own improvement and strongly advocated for gender equality.

Her association and writing circle included Frances Boscawen, Edmund Burke, Mary Delaney, Mary Hamilton, Samuel Johnson, Hannah More, Samuel Richardson, Richard Savage, and Thomas Secker.

Her publications vary - Elizabeth enjoyed success writing letters, poems, translations and essays. She was acclaimed as an outstanding Greek scholar. Between 1738 and 1739, she published three major works, including a poetry anthology (Poems on Particular Occasions), analytical texts (An Examination of Mr. Pope’s Essay on Man), and scientific explanations (Sir Isaac Newton’s Philosophy Explain’d for the use of Ladies).

Her most successful work, All the Works of Epictetus that are now Extinct, was published in 1758 and was sold as a subscription piece. This work engages Elizabeth in a discussion with 1st century AD Stoic philosopher Epictetus, as well as offers translations of his works. After this success, Elizabeth did not publish again; she died in 1806.