The part played by Hannah Cowley in the development of popular English theatre, and her role as a champion for women, has been long overlooked. Mary de la Mahotière tells the fascinating story of her life for the first time in a new work Hannah Cowley, Tiverton's Playwright and Pioneer Feminist 1743-1809.
The author was born and educated in Tiverton. A recent Mayor of the town, she is also a committed member of the Civic Society, the Devon Conservation Forum and the Devonshire Association.
The book is published in English by Devon Books, Halsgrove House, Lower Moor Way, Tiverton EX16 6SS, UK. ISBN 0-86114-916-5. Telephone +44 (0)1884 243242 or fax +44 (0)1884 243325.
The book is based on a paper read to the Devonshire Association in 1997. The author and publisher acknowledge the generous support provided by the Heathcoat Trust towards the publication of this work.
The author acknowledges with thanks the help given by Gerald Barnett, Ms Joyce East, Dr Gretchen Foster, Professor Frederick Link, Richard Ryder, Claire Tomalin and to the many others who helped and encouraged the project.
She also wishes to thank for their help: the British Library, Brown University Providence RI, the Devonshire Association, Exeter University, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, the Garrick Club, the Harrowby Trust, the Henry E Huntington Library and Art Gallery San Marino CA, the Lerner Foundation for the Study of Early English Women's Writing, the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, Tiverton Library, Tiverton Museum, the Tiverton Civic Society and the University of the Third Age.