54 pages 1 hour read

Margaret Cavendish

The Blazing World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1666

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish follows a woman's adventure to a fantastical utopian world where she becomes Empress. The narrative merges a romance where hybrids rescue her after a shipwreck, philosophical discussions with her advisors, and a fantastical story involving a strong friendship with the Duchess of Newcastle. Their collaboration leads to the creation of various worlds and an eventual peace-keeping mission to her homeland.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Margaret Cavendish’s The Blazing World is lauded for its imaginative narrative and proto-science fiction elements, breaking barriers in 17th-century literature. Its philosophical discussions and utopian themes are intriguing, though some find the prose dense and the plot convoluted. Overall, it’s a pioneering and thought-provoking read despite its complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Blazing World?

A reader who would enjoy Margaret Cavendish's The Blazing World is likely captivated by early science fiction, utopian literature, and feminist themes. They may also appreciate works like Thomas More’s Utopia and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for their speculative nature and philosophical inquiries.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Education

British Literature

Philosophy

Topics

Education

Philosophy

Gender / Feminism

Themes

Society: Politics & Government

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Period

Age of Enlightenment

Restoration