Elizabeth Carter
Elizabeth Carter was a notable English poet, scholar, and translator born on December 16, 1717, in Deal, Kent. Educated by her father, Nicholas Carter, she became proficient in multiple classical and modern languages, reflecting her dedication to scholarship. Known for her intellectual pursuits, she studied literature, astronomy, and philosophy, and became part of the 18th-century literary movement known as the Bluestockings. Carter published her first poems in the Gentleman's Magazine and gained recognition for her translation of the works of Greek philosopher Epictetus, which was praised for its quality and enduring significance. Despite the societal expectations of her time, she chose to remain unmarried, valuing her independence and intellectual freedom. Carter's poetry often incorporated Christian and Platonic themes, and she was regarded as one of the most learned women of her era. Her works, including two collections of poetry, contributed significantly to her legacy, with her translation of Epictetus remaining in print for over two centuries.
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Subject Terms
Elizabeth Carter
Poet
- Born: December 16, 1717
- Birthplace: Deal, Kent, England
- Died: February 19, 1806
Biography
Elizabeth Carter was born December 16, 1717, in the town of Deal in Kent, England. Her father was Nicholas Carter, curate of Deal and a preacher of Canterbury Cathedral. Her mother, who died when Carter was ten, was Margaret Swayne Carter. Her education was supervised by her father. A dedicated scholar with an ascetic study schedule, she eventually mastered the classical languages of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; the modern languages of Italian, French, Spanish, and German; and she had a working knowledge of Portuguese and Arabic as well. In addition, she read literature, both ancient and modern, and studied astronomy, history, and philosophy.
Fearing the loss of her freedom, Carter never married. Her friends included Elizabeth Montagu, Catherine Talbot, and the novelist Fanny Burney. A friend of her father, Edward Cave, in the Gentleman’s Magazine, published her first poetry in 1734. Her poem, “A Riddle,” was published in this same magazine fours years later and received the praise of Samuel Johnson, who would become her lifelong friend. Her first collection of poems, Poems on Particular Occasions, was published in 1738. In 1758, Samuel Johnson published her translation of the works of the Greek philosopher Epictetus, which was so highly reputed that some critics suggested that the work was not her own but that of a man, perhaps her father. The translation was financially lucrative and allowed Carter to purchase her own home in Deal and live comfortably. She also kept her own rooms in Piccadilly, where she stayed during her yearly visits to London. Her second collection of poems, Poems on Several Occasions, was published in 1762. In both her life and her art, Carter, known as a very pious woman, eschewed the material world and focused on spiritual concerns. Her poetry is marked with Christian and Platonic worldviews.
Elizabeth Carter was considered one of the most learned people of her age. She is most distinguished by her translation of Epictetus. Republished by J. M. Dent and Sons in the Everyman’s Library series, the work was long considered the authoritative English translation and was reprinted thirteen times. Having remained in print for over two hundred years, its final printing was in 1966.