What is a Bluestocking?

In the early 1750s Mrs Elizabeth Montagu and others started a women's literary discussion group, a revolutionary step away from traditional mindless women's activities. They invited various people to attend, including a botanist, translator and publisher called Benjamin Stillingfleet. He wasn't rich enough to have the proper formal dress which included black silk stockings. So he attended in his normal clothes, wearing blue worsted stockings. This started a trend. The husband of one of the group members was Admiral Edward Boscawen, and he derisively referred to the meetings as the "Blue-Stocking Society". "Bluestocking" then became a term to describe literary/intellectual women.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Anyone read any good books lately???
I'd love to get my hands on some good
recommendations.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
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