BONUS Margaret Cavendish Blazes Through the World Part 2

BONUS Margaret Cavendish Blazes Through the World Part 2

From History's Heroes by BBC Radio 4

March 17, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

Alex von Tunzelmann discusses the legacy of Margaret Cavendish with Professor Keith Allen, exploring themes of neurodiversity and historical misunderstanding.

Alex von Tunzelmann meets Professor Keith Allen to discuss Margaret Cavendish’s remarkable legacy. Keith, who is professor of philosophy at the University of York, has been researching Margaret Cavendish and neurodiversity. He argues that Cavendish may have had one or more forms of neurodivergence, based on the descriptions she herself gave of her life and experience. Cavendish clung to the hope of future fame. She knew that her work was misunderstood within her own time. Lady Dorothy Osborne remarked that there are "soberer people in Bedlam” - the psychiatric hospital. Centuries later, she was still being misunderstood. Virginia Woolf claimed that Cavendish was like “a giant cucumber,” choking the roses and carnations in an otherwise orderly garden of 17th century literature. Are these accusations fair? Stories of bold voices, with brave ideas and the courage to stand alone. Historian Alex von Tunzelmann shines a light on remarkable people from across history. A BBC Studios Audio production. Producer: Lorna Reader Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann Executive Producer: Paul Smith Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts 7Status:

People in this episode

Host: Alex von Tunzelmann

Guest: Professor Keith Allen

Topics covered

  • Margaret Cavendish
  • neurodiversity
  • literary legacy
  • historical figures
  • philosophy
  • 17th century literature

Keywords

  • Margaret Cavendish
  • neurodiversity
  • literary criticism
  • Virginia Woolf
  • historical legacy
  • 17th century
  • philosophy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of York, BBC Studios Audio, BBC Radio 4

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