The Correspondence between Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia and René Descartes

Between the years 1643 and 1649, Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia (1618OCo80) and Ren(r) Descartes (1596OCo1650) exchanged fifty-eight lettersOCothirty-two from Descartes and twenty-six from Elisabeth. Their correspondence contains the only known extant philosophical writings by Elisabeth, revealing her mastery of metaphysics, analytic geometry, and moral philosophy, as well as her keen interest in natural philosophy. The letters are essential reading for anyone interested in DescartesOCOs philosophy, in particular his account of the human being as a union of mind and body, as well as his ethics. They also provide a unique insight into the character of their authorsaand the way ideas develop through intellectual collaboration. Philosophers have long been familiar with DescartesOCOs side of the correspondence. Now ElisabethOCOs lettersOConever before available in translation in their entiretyOCoemerge this volume, adding much-needed context and depth both to DescartesOCOs ideas and the legacy of the princess. Lisa ShapiroOCOs annotated editionOCowhich also includes ElisabethOCOs correspondence with the Quakers William Penn and Robert BarclayOCowill be heralded by students of philosophy, feminist theorists, and historians of the early modern period."