Hannah Cowley - Who's The Dupe?: "It requires genius to make a good pun - some men of bright parts can't reach it"

The life of Hannah Cowley, born in 1743, reflects a remarkable journey from obscurity to literary success. After marrying Thomas Cowley and moving to London, she experienced a late-blooming career as a playwright, debuting with the successful comedy The Runaway in 1776. Her works often sparked controversy, notably a rivalry with Hannah More. Cowley's most celebrated play, The Belle's Stratagem, premiered in 1780, while her literary contributions included an epic poem, The Siege of Acre. She retired to Tiverton in 1801, quietly revising her works until her death in 1809.