In this book, Nussbaum examines literary and cultural representations of human difference in England and its empire during the long eighteenth century. With a special focus on women's writing, Nussbaum analyzes writing from the Restoration to abolition.
The book delves into the tradition of antifeminist satire, analyzing its various expressions by poets from the Restoration and eighteenth century. By exploring both routine and sophisticated uses of satire, it provides a fresh perspective on how these poems can be interpreted in a contemporary context, enhancing the understanding of their themes and cultural significance.