Behn, Aphra

Born in the first few decades of the seventeenth century, Aphra Behn is one of early literature s best-known female writers. Behn had the lucky distinction of being able to support herself strictly by her pen, something unheard of for women of her time. Throughout her long career, she wrote in various formspoetry, plays, proseand is known as a member of the fair triumvirate of wit alongside fellow scribes Eliza Haywood and Delarivier Manley. Although little is known about her early life, Behn s father held a post as lieutenant governor of Surinam, and Behn s experiences during her stay most li...