Mercy Otis Warren witnessed the American Revolution and participated in the debates that gave shape to the new nation. Although she was married and raised five sons, she was viewed one of the most important American writers of the time. Through her letters, poems, political essays, satiric plays, and a three volume history of the revolution, Warren placed herself among the handful of educated women whose discourse on the philosophical and political questions of the day was solicited by the men who dominated public life. A partial list of her correspondents includes: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and John and Abigail Adams. This is a study of her life and work.