Mary Astell was an English writer and early feminist born in 1666. She is best known for her works advocating for women's education and rights during a time when such ideas were largely ignored. Astell argued that women should have the same access to education as men, emphasizing the importance of intellectual development. In 1705, she published her most famous work, A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, which outlined her vision for a women's college. Astell's writings contributed to the early feminist movement and laid the groundwork for future advocates of women's rights and education.