Penelope Aubin (c. 1679–1738) was an English novelist, poet, translator, and pioneering woman of letters. Born in London to a prominent family, she married merchant Abraham Aubin in 1696. After publishing political poems in 1707, she turned to novels following her husband's death, producing seven adventurous tales between 1721–1728 featuring virtuous heroines overcoming shipwrecks and slavery. She also translated French works, wrote plays, and delivered paid lectures on morality. Her popular fiction influenced Samuel Richardson and helped establish the English novel form. Despite early obscurity, she is now recognized as a significant figure in 18th-century literature.
Personal website