Elizabeth Stuart Bowdler facts for kids

Elizabeth Stuart Bowdler (whose maiden name was Cotton) was an English writer who lived in the 1700s. She wrote about religious topics. She passed away in 1797.

Her Family

Elizabeth Stuart Cotton was the second daughter of Sir John Cotton. He was a well-known figure in his time. In 1742, Elizabeth married Thomas Bowdler.

They had five children together. Four of their children also grew up to become writers, just like their mother. These children were Jane Bowdler, John Bowdler, Henrietta Maria Bowdler, and Thomas Bowdler.

Her son, Thomas Bowdler, became famous for editing a version of William Shakespeare's plays. He removed any parts he thought were inappropriate for families. Because of his work, the word "bowdlerize" was created. It means to remove parts of a book, play, or film that are considered offensive or unsuitable.

Her Writings

Elizabeth Stuart Bowdler wrote a book called Practical Observations on the Revelation of St John. This book was about the Book of Revelation, which is a section of the Christian Bible.

Her book was first published in 1787. At that time, her name was not on the book; it was published anonymously, meaning without the author's name.

After she passed away, the book was published again in 1800. This time, it was titled Practical Observations on the Revelation of St John, by the Late Mrs Bowdler. The new edition included a special introduction. In this introduction, the editor suggested that Elizabeth's book seemed to have predicted the French Revolution. This was a major event in history where the people of France overthrew their monarchy.