Philip's Phoenix: Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke

by Margaret P. Hannay

In contrast to previous studies that have portrayed Mary Sidney as a demure, retiring woman, this biography shows that she was actually an outspoken and dynamic figure. Basing her work on primary sources including account books, legal documents, diaries, and family letters, Hannay shows that Sidney was a vibrant, eloquent, self-assertive woman who was deeply involved in Protestant politics. Although she did confine her writings to appropriately feminine genres, she called herself "Sister of Philip Sidney" to establish a literary and political identity. As a Phoenix rising from her brother's ashes, she transcended gender restrictions by publishing her brother's writings, by writing and translating works which he would have approved, by assuming his role as literary patron, and by supporting the cause for which he died. Hannay also reveals--via court cases--that in her final years the countess turned from literary to administrative responsibilities, contending with jewel
thieves, pirates, and murderers.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

317 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Dr. Margaret Hannay was a scholar of early modern English literature and a longtime professor of English at Siena College, where she taught Elizabethan literature, Shakespeare, and Great Books courses and served as department chair. Her research focused especially on the Sidney family, Mary Sidney, and Lady Mary Wroth. She published numerous articles and seventeen books, including major collaborative editions of Sidney family writings with Noel Kinnamon and Michael Brennan. A founder and president of the Society for the Study of Early Modern Women, she also led the International Sidney Society and received multiple lifetime achievement awards.

Reviews

[Camila]

excellent biography on mary sidney herbert, with plenty of info on the sidney family and their literary pursuits

[Adelais]

Мінус за те, що я абсолютно байдужа до літературознавства, а тому ця частина книжки пройшла повз мене, а плюсики за все інше, бо тут як я люблю - детальна біографія Мері Сідні, сестри поета Філіпа Сідні, єлизаветинського фенікса і так далі за текстом. Власне тут вона не тільки сестра, а людина в своєму праві, одружується, порядкує у маєтках, сама пише, зберігає спадок брата, женить дітей і все інше, що належить робити аристократці у ті часи. Зізнаюся, я більше люблю отакі історії з генеалогічним нахилом, ніж sweeping epic. Здається, авторка ще написала біографію її небоги, теж авторки і поетки, треба почитати.