Selected Letters - Classic Text | Alexandria
Selected Letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu represents one of the most significant collections of early 18th-century correspondence, offering unprecedented insights into Georgian society, Ottoman culture, and early inoculation advocacy through the keen observations of one of England's most remarkable female writers. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762), born into the English aristocracy, transformed the art of letter-writing from mere communication into a powerful medium for social commentary, cultural exchange, and medical advancement.
First published posthumously in 1763, the Selected Letters spans decades of correspondence written during Montagu's extraordinary life, including her time as ambassadress to the Ottoman Empire (1716-1718). These letters, originally intended for private circulation among friends and family, provide invaluable firsthand accounts of Turkish customs, particularly regarding women's lives in the Ottoman seraglio – observations unique for being written by a female European observer who gained unprecedented access to these private spaces.
The collection's significance extends beyond its cultural observations. Montagu's letters from Constantinople detail her discovery of smallpox inoculation practices, which she later introduced to England, potentially saving thousands of lives. Her writing style, characterized by wit, candor, and acute social observation, influenced subsequent generations of letter-writers and travel writers, particularly women authors seeking to establish their literary authority. The letters also reveal her complex relationships with contemporary literary figures, including her famous feud with Alexander Pope, which adds a fascinating dimension to 18th-century literary history.
Modern scholars continue to mine Montagu's correspondence for insights into early modern gender roles, cross-cultural exchange, and medical history. The letters' enduring relevance lies not only in their historical value but in their remarkably modern voice – Montagu's intellectual curiosity, feminist consciousness, and willingness to challenge societal norms resonate powerfully with contemporary readers. Her letters raise intriguing questions about the nature of cultural interpretation, female agency, and the role of personal correspondence in shaping historical narratives. What might Montagu's penetrating gaze reveal about our own society's assumptions and prejudices?