Philip's Phoenix: Mary Sidney, Countess of PembrokeIn contrast to previous studies that have portrayed Mary Sidney as a demure, retiring woman, this biography shows that she was actually an outspoken and dynamic figure. Basing her work on primary sources including account books, legal documents, diaries, and family letters, Hannay shows that Sidney was a vibrant, eloquent, self-assertive woman who was deeply involved in Protestant politics. Although she did confine her writings to appropriately feminine genres, she called herself "Sister of Philip Sidney" to establish a literary and political identity. As a Phoenix rising from her brother's ashes, she transcended gender restrictions by publishing her brother's writings, by writing and translating works which he would have approved, by assuming his role as literary patron, and by supporting the cause for which he died. Hannay also reveals--via court cases--that in her final years the countess turned from literary to administrative responsibilities, contending with jewel thieves, pirates, and murderers. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
alliance Amyntas Arcadia Astrophel Aubrey August Baynards Castle Bèze brother Burghley Cardiff Cleopatra Countess of Pembroke court daughter David dedication died Dolefull Lay drama Earl of Leicester Earl of Pembroke edition Edmund England English Essex father Frances friends Greville hath haue HMC Salisbury honor Huguenot husband John Chamberlain Katherine King James Knight Lady Mary Lady Mary Wroth Leicester's letter Library literary London Lord Herbert loue Ludlow Maiesty manuscript marriage married Mary Sidney Mathew Mornay Nashe Old Arcadia Oxford patron patronage Pembroke's Pembrokes Arcadia Penshurst Penshurst Place Poems Poetry Poets political praise Prince Protestant Psalms Psalter Queen Elizabeth Renaissance Robert Sidney Rowland Whyte Samuel Daniel September Sidney's Sir Dudley Carleton Sir Henry Sidney Sir Philip Sidney Sir Robert Cecil Sir Robert Sidney sister sonnets Spenser Stradling Talbot Thomas Thomas Moffett translation University Press vnto Wales Walsingham Welsh Whyte to Sir wife William Herbert Wilton writing written young yowr