~ 1640 - 1689
Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was an English playwright, poet, and novelist, widely regarded as one of the first professional female writers in the English language. She is best known for her daring plays and novels, including "Oroonoko," which explores themes of race and colonialism, as well as her contributions to the Restoration literary scene. Behn's work laid the groundwork for future generations of women writers and is celebrated for its bold exploration of gender and sexuality.