Mary Astell books in order
English feminist writer
- Lived
- 1666–1731
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Books
- 7
Mary Astell published 3 non-fiction books and 4 other books, beginning with Serious Proposal to the Ladies, for the Advancement of Their True and Greatest Interest (1694).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Mary Astell

Start here
Serious Proposal to the Ladies, for the Advancement of Their True and Greatest Interest
Mary Astell's most-read book.
Non-fiction in order


A Serious Proposal to the Ladies (1697)
Other books in order

Moderation Truly Stated (1704)
Letters Concerning the Love of God (1705)
Reflections Upon Marriage (1706)
About Mary Astell
Mary Astell was an English proto-feminist author, philosopher, and rhetorician who advocated for equal educational opportunities for women. Astell is primarily remembered as one of England's inaugural advocates for women's rights and some commentators consider her to have been "the first English feminist".
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Mary Astell FAQ
- How many books has Mary Astell written?
- Mary Astell published 3 non-fiction books and 4 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Mary Astell's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Serious Proposal to the Ladies, for the Advancement of Their True and Greatest Interest.
- What is Mary Astell's last book?
- A Serious Proposal to the Ladies (1697).
- What is Mary Astell's most famous book?
- Serious Proposal to the Ladies, for the Advancement of Their True and Greatest Interest (1694) is Mary Astell's most widely read book.
- Can I read Mary Astell's books for free?
- Yes. 3 books by Mary Astell are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Mary Astell
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.
