Aphra Behn
Playwright
Name at birth: Aphra Johnson
In the 1660s, Aphra Behn served as a spy in Belgium for King Charles II, who had just gained the throne of England after the rule of the Cromwells. By 1670 her first play was produced, The Forced Marriage, the first in a string of successful plays. During the remainder of her life she wrote plays, poems and novels, and is considered one of the first women professional writers in the English language.
Four Good Links
The Aphra Behn Society
For serious scholars, some background and a syllabus
The Aphra Behn Page
A student and fan explains Behn's significance
Poetry of Aphra Behn
Some brief biographical background, then a focus on her poetry
Aphra Behn
Snapshot biography from a site on theater history
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
Best Known As
17th century English writer
