About
William Godwin was an English political philosopher, novelist, and journalist. Born into a family of dissenting ministers, he studied at Hoxton Academy and briefly served as a minister before turning to writing. His major work, 'An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice' (1793), laid the foundations of philosophical anarchism and early utilitarianism. His novel 'Caleb Williams' (1794) dramatized his political ideas. In 1797, he married Mary Wollstonecraft; their daughter, Mary Shelley, would write 'Frankenstein'. His frank 'Memoirs' of his wife caused a scandal. He went on to publish novels, historical works, and children's books.
* 1756-03-03 — † 1836-04-07
Major works
- An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice (1793)philosophical treatise
- Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams (1794)novel
- Memoirs of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1798)memoir
- St. Leon (1799)novel
- History of the Commonwealth of England (1824)history
Key milestones
- 1793Publication of 'An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice'
- 1797Marriage to Mary Wollstonecraft
- 1805Founded the Juvenile Library to publish children's books
Themes
Philosophical anarchismUtilitarianismSocial justiceCritique of powerEducation
Sources: britannica.com · iep.utm.edu · plato.stanford.edu