Introduction

[T]he production on which her reputation most depends appeared in 1803, and is entitled ‘Female Biography, containing the Memoirs of Illustrious and Celebrated Women of all Ages and Countries,’ in 6 vols. It was written at the request of Sir Richard Philips, and, being well received, produced her a fair remuneration. Altho’ still an ornament of our book-shelves, it may be considered peculiarly valuable as having led the way to more modern works of singular merit upon the same subject. ¹