“There is no withstanding the general voice of the people”: Social and Political Thought in Ann Jebb’s Pamphlets

This article examines the influential role of Ann Jebb, an initially ardent supporter of the French Revolution and a key figure in late eighteenth-century English reform movements. Known for hosting reformist “tea parties” and writing extensively, Jebb advocated for religious, educational, and political change. Her epistolary contributions and anonymous pamphlets, such as Two Penny-worth of Truth for a Penny (1792) and Two Penny-worth More of Truth for a Penny (1793), defended the French Revolution and British sympathizers. While Rational Dissent did not directly challenge male dominance in the public sphere, Jebb’s work highlighted its promotion of equality and encouragement for women to lead intellectually active lives. As a significant figure among Romantic-era female writers and proto- feminists, Jebb’s alliances with prominent thinkers like Catharine Macaulay and Mary Hays further cemented her legacy as a pioneering advocate for women’s participation in public and intellectual life. This article underscores Jebb’s contri- bution to shaping the intellectual and social landscape of her time, particularly in how she used her writing to influence public discourse and inspire future genera- tions of female reformers.