Mary Wortley Montagu was an English writer and poet born in 1689. She is best known for her letters, which provide insight into her travels and experiences in the Ottoman Empire. Montagu was a strong advocate for women's education and health, particularly in promoting the practice of smallpox inoculation, which she witnessed in Turkey. In addition to her literary contributions, Montagu was a prominent figure in the early 18th-century social scene. She was married to Edward Wortley Montagu, a diplomat, and her correspondence with him and others reflects her keen observations on society, culture, and gender roles during her time.