The Daughters of Danaus (Dodo Press)

Caird, Mona

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1406561436 ISBN 13: 9781406561432

Publisher: Dodo Press, 2008

Mona Caird (née Mona Alison, also called Alice Mona Henryson Caird) (1855-1932) was a Scottish novelist and essayist whose feminist views sparked controversy in the late 19th Century. She was born in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. She wrote stories and plays beginning in her early childhood, which reveal a proficiency in French and German as well as English. Mona's husband was supportive of her independence, and although he resided primarily at Casencary, she spent much of her time in London and travelling abroad. She associated with literary people, including Thomas Hardy who was an admirer of her work. Caird published her two novels, Whom Nature Leadeth (1883) and One That Wins (1887), under the pseudonym "G. Noel Hatton", but these drew little attention. Subsequent writings were published under her name, which came to prominence in 1888 when the Westminster Review printed her long article "Marriage". Continuing to write fiction, Caird published her novel The Wing of Azrael (1889). Next was a short story collection, A Romance of the Moors (1891).

Review:

"Feminists of the 1890s have much to say to feminists of the 1990s. The extraordinary detective work and critical acumen of Margaret Gullette have restored Mona Caird's The Daughters of Danaus to the canon of 'New Women' literature. The Daughters of Danaus is an important and welcome edition."
--Elaine Showalter

"Mona Caird is a treasure in whose rediscovery we can truly rejoice. Caird, her heroine Hadria, and her editor Margaret Gullette, speak eloquently of women's strengths we can emulate."
--Mary Anne Ferguson

"I am delighted that the Feminist Press is publishing this important and highly readable book by a pivotal fin-de-siecle feminist. Critics have too long neglected the important role played by women authors in establishing the terms of the debate for both literature and feminism during the 1890s. The publication of The Daughters of Danaus should help to rectify this situation."
--Martha Vicinus

About the Author:

Mona Caird (1932-1969) was a visionary feminist, novelist, and social critic.