Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett 
New Amazonia 

Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett’s ‘New Amazonia’ is a groundbreaking feminist utopian novel that challenges the gender norms of Victorian society. Set in a matriarchal society where women hold all positions of power, the book explores themes of gender, power, and social order. Corbett’s writing style is both eloquent and thought-provoking, drawing the reader into a world where traditional gender roles are flipped upside down. The novel’s literary context can be seen in its similarities to other feminist utopian works of the time, such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s ‘Herland.’ However, Corbett’s unique perspective sets ‘New Amazonia’ apart as a significant contribution to the genre. Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett, a British writer and suffragist, was a prominent voice in the feminist movement of the late 19th century. Her experiences as a woman living in a patriarchal society undoubtedly influenced her writing and led her to imagine a world where women held all the power. I highly recommend ‘New Amazonia’ to readers interested in feminist literature, utopian fiction, and the exploration of gender dynamics in society.

About the author

Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett (1857 – 1934) was a noteworthy British author and feminist, renowned for her speculative fiction work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is most famous for her utopian novel ‘New Amazonia: A Foretaste of the Future’ (1889), which presents a future society where women have transcended the bounds of gender inequality to create a progressive and technologically advanced civilization. In her narrative, she envisions a world where patriarchal structures have been dismantled, allowing for a more egalitarian societal framework, which particularly emphasizes women’s rights and reproductive autonomy. Corbett’s literary style is marked by her visionary approach and satirical commentary on the sociopolitical issues of her time, exposing the discrepancies and injustices in the treatment of women. Through her work, Corbett contributed to the discourse of gender politics and was part of a broader movement of feminist writers who utilized fiction to explore and advocate for societal reform. Her contributions remain significant in the study of feminist literature and utopian studies, offering insight into the aspirations and critiques of her era regarding the roles and capabilities of women in society.