The Secret Life of Aphra Behn

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Aphra Behn (1640?-1689) lived and died during the Restoration, embodying its license and liberty. As the first woman to earn a living through writing, she created at least nineteen plays, fiction, poetry, and translations, and served as a spy for Charles II's government. This definitive biography utilizes Behn's complete works and newly discovered documents from Britain and the Netherlands. Behn's life is marked by contradictions: a high Tory who opposed traditional power, an autonomous woman reliant on male approval, and someone who desired both men and women while engaging in political activism yet yearning for ease. The book reveals her assertive and duplicitous nature, highlighting the erotic themes in her writings that explore desire, sexual excitement, and disappointment, which contributed to her reputation for lewdness. It uncovers historical sources and court cases linked to her renowned 'fictions.' Alongside Behn's personal narrative, the biography sheds light on the political and social context of her time, including court intrigue, theater dynamics, and London life before and after the Restoration, as well as events like the Popish Plot and the Monmouth Rebellion. Her interactions with figures such as Dryden, Rochester, the Stuart kings, Nell Gwyn, and the Duchess of Mazarine create a captivating blend of literature, politics, sex, and intrigue.