Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was an English writer, poet, and playwright, widely recognized as one of the first professional female authors in English literature. Her most famous work, "Oroonoko," is a novel that addresses issues of race and slavery. Behn was also a spy for the British government, which adds to her intriguing life story. She challenged social norms of her time by asserting a woman's right to write and express herself. Her contributions paved the way for future female writers, making her an important figure in both literature and feminist history.