"The First Essay on the Political Rights of Women" by marquis de Jean-Antoine-Nicolas de Caritat Condorcet, translated by Alice Drysdale Vickery, is a groundbreaking exploration of women's political rights. Condorcet's influential essay argues for the inclusion of women in political decision-making, challenging the prevailing notions of gender inequality. Vickery's translation preserves the essence of Condorcet's impassioned advocacy, providing readers with insights into the early discussions around gender equality and political participation.

"[...]countries, women have been judged incapable of all public functions yet worthy of royalty; that in France a woman has been able to be regent, and yet that up to 1776 she could not be a milliner or dressmaker ("marchande des modes") in Paris, except under cover of her husband's name;[2] and that, lastly, in our elective assemblies they have accorded to rights of property what they have refused to natural right. Many of our noble deputies owe to ladies the honour of sitting among the representatives of the nation. Why, instead of depriving of[...]".

“On the Admission of Women to the Rights of Citizenship” is a 1789 essay by French philosopher Nicolas de Condorcet. Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis of Condorcet (1743–1794), more commonly known as Nicolas de Condorcet, was a French mathematician and philosopher who espoused equal rights people of all genders and races, a liberal economy, free public instruction, and the importance of a constitutional government. Said to have been the very embodiment of the ideals of the Age of Enlightenment, Condorcet died in prison as a result of his attempting to escape French Revolutionary authorities. Within this essay, he argues that, according to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, rights are universal; and if that is indeed true, then they should apply to all adults—women included. A fascinating example of early feminist literature, “On the Admission of Women to the Rights of Citizenship” will greatly appeal to those with an interest in the history of feminism and its most notable proponents. Read & Co. Great Essays is proudly republishing this classic essay now in a new edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "The First Essay on the Political Rights of Women" by Jean-Antoine-Nicolas de Caritat marquis de Condorcet. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

In an era of revolutions demanding greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) was an ardent feminist who spoke eloquently for countless women of her time.