This work investigates the life and historical significance of Aphra Behn, the first professional female writer in England, by examining the intersection of her personal identity and the volatile political landscape of the Restoration era. Angeline Goreau utilizes a social biography framework to reconstruct Behn's existence, moving beyond the limited archival records of the 17th century. By analyzing the cultural constraints placed upon women of the period, Goreau argues that Behn's literary output was a deliberate act of subversion against the patriarchal structures of her time. The text synthesizes historical context with literary analysis to present a comprehensive portrait of a figure who navigated espionage, poverty, and public scrutiny to establish her career.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the life of Aphra Behn within her specific historical context. Readers often note the academic rigor of the prose and the author's ability to synthesize fragmented archival data into a cohesive narrative.