The International Margaret Cavendish Society Fifteenth Biennial Conference
June 17 - 19, 2026 | University of New Brunswick | Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Call for papers
Alongside her trenchant analysis of the best forms of rule and the causes and travails of the English Civil War, Margaret Cavendish offers disclaimers about women’s knowledge of, and involvement in, politics. “As for the matter of governments, we women understand them not” (Sociable Letter #16) is one such self-protective statement. Yet Cavendish scholars have identified and analysed the many sites and genres of Cavendish’s engagement with the political, demonstrating her often-underappreciated significance as a political writer and theorist.
Please send a 250-word proposal for an academic paper or creative response and a brief biographical note to marcavconference2026@unb.ca.
This conference aims to bring together scholars from a variety of disciplines and at different career stages to explore topics related to the theme of Cavendish’s writing on politics and civil war as well as other aspects of Cavendish’s literary and philosophical works.
Topics for consideration may include, but are not limited to:
- politics, focussing on specific works, genres or themes
- the English Civil War and its aftermath
- global perspectives
- feminist, queer and/or trans Cavendish
- the politics of race
- imperialism, colonialism and the Atlantic World
- influences on, and reception of, Cavendish’s political thought
- politics and the natural world
Deadline for submissions: Jan. 16, 2026.
Keynote speaker
Dr. Erin Murphy | Department of English | Boston University
Dr. Murphy's research and teaching interests center on the intersection of literature and politics, with primary areas of focus in seventeenth-century English literature, and gender and sexuality studies more broadly.
Her current book project, Wartimes: Seventeenth-Century English Women’s Writing, deploys an inter-historical approach, reconsidering the writing of seventeenth-century women in relation to the English civil wars, as well as the ways that this writing has been appropriated during other moments of war, including our own moment of global conflict.
Make the most of your visit
We warmly invite you to join us in Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick known for its hospitality, trails, craft beer and views of the beautiful Wolastoq/Saint John River. This event will be held in person, although online participation may be considered.
Accommodations
UNB Fredericton residence
Hilton Garden Inn
A block of rooms at a conference rate has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn (620 Queen Street, Fredericton) for the Margaret Cavendish Conference attendees.
Fredericton and region
Local organizing committee
Dr. Melanie Simoes Santos and Dr. Edith Snook from the Department of English and Dr. Joanne Wright from the Department of Political Science.
For inquiries, contact the organizers at marcav2026@unb.ca.
