Delarivier Manley - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Delarivier Manley (c. 1670-1724) stands as one of the most enigmatic and influential literary figures of England's late Stuart period, distinguished as a pioneering female political journalist, satirist, and author whose work boldly challenged the gender and political conventions of her time. Known also as 'Delia' or 'Rivella' (her fictional alter ego), Manley masterfully wielded her pen as both weapon and shield in the turbulent political landscape of early 18th-century London.
First emerging in London's literary circles in the 1690s, Manley's initial works, including "Letters Writen [sic] by Mrs. Manley" (1696), reflected the complex social dynamics of Restoration England. Her life and career unfolded against a backdrop of intense political rivalry between Whigs and Tories, religious tension, and emerging questions about women's roles in public discourse. This period of transformation provided fertile ground for Manley's most significant contribution to English literature: the political secret history.
Manley's masterpiece, "The New Atalantis" (1709), revolutionized political discourse by introducing a new genre that blended romantic fiction with political exposé. Through this work and others, she developed an innovative narrative technique that allowed her to critique powerful figures while ostensibly writing mere entertainment. Her approach influenced subsequent generations of writers and established her as a predecessor to the modern political novel. Despite facing arrest for seditious libel, Manley's courage and literary skill earned her the position of editor at The Examiner, making her one of the first women to direct a major political journal.
The legacy of Delarivier Manley continues to intrigue scholars and readers alike, particularly in light of contemporary discussions about gender, political journalism, and the power of narrative. Her strategic use of fiction to convey political criticism presaged modern forms of political satire and commentary. Modern feminist scholars have reclaimed Manley's work as an early example of female literary empowerment, while her exploration of the intersection between private scandal and public politics resonates with current debates about media ethics and political discourse. The question remains: was Manley simply an opportunistic scandal-monger, or did she purposefully craft a new form of political discourse that allowed marginalized voices to participate in public debate?