Thursday, August 13, 2009

Blue Stockings!




A bluestocking is a woman with literary or intellectual interests. The term originated with an informal group of 18th century intellectual women based in London. This group hosted literary salons with the sole intention of discussing the prevalent philosophical and literary ideas of the day. The reference to the blue stocking may have come from the hosiery worn by Benjamin Stillingfleet, an impoverished gentleman who attended these evening socials, but who was too poor to possess formal evening wear. Mr. Stillingfleet attended in daytime garb, which included stockings of blue worsted.
A different blue stocking I assume.

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