Margaret Cavendish's The Blazing World is thought to have been first published in 1666, and is considered one of the first examples of science fiction novels. The novel follows a young woman named Lady Margaret, who discovers a portal to an alternate dimension known as the Blazing World. In this realm, she becomes the Empress and embarks on a journey of exploration, encountering unique creatures and engaging in philosophical discussions about science, gender, and power. Lady Margaret harnesses her intellect in her newfound role as Empress of the Blazing World. She challenges the male-dominated scientific and intellectual establishments, paving the way for discussions on gender equality and the potential of women in academia. These topics did not become commonplace in literature until several centuries after the novel's publication.
Although The Blazing World is not widely known today, it is one of the most influential novels to come out of the seventeenth century and is still studied to this day. Cavendish's novel has likewise inspired contemporary authors like Alan Moore and J.G. Ballard.
