All Scholars

      Other women learned in Greek and Latin lived in England before Elizabeth Carter, such as Elizabeth Weston (1582-1612), Bathsua Makin (1600-75), and Constantia Grierson (1705-32). Carter, however, was the first to publish her own translation of a classical author along with commentary. Her father, Nicolas (he insisted that his name be spelled without an "h"), was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he obtained his master's degree in 1714 and his Doctor of Divinity in 1728. Her mother Margaret brought a substantial inheritance to the marriage. Elizabeth was their first child. Unfortunately her parents invested Margaret's inheritance in the South Sea Company and lost most of that in 1720. From that time on, Elizabeth's mother went into a decline and died in 1727, when Elizabeth was ten years old, leaving five small children. Nicolas soon remarried, to Mary Bean. Mary had four children, but only two survived childhood. Elizabeth got along well with her step-mother and helped her father with the instruction of her brothers and sisters. Nicolas was a caring father and progressive in educating all of his children equally, with whom he shared his knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. At first Elizabeth made slow progress and her father despaired of her ever becoming a scholar. She worked diligently at her studies, however, and overcame her initial difficulties. She also began the study of French with an exiled Huguenot family living in Canterbury with whom she boarded at age fifteen.To these languages Elizabeth added Italian and German, as well as some Arabic and Portuguese. She tutored her younger brother Henry in preparation for Cambridge, where he entered in 1757. Henry distinguished himself on the entry examinations and amazed everyone when he said that he had been taught by a woman.

       Carter's literary career began when she, at age 17, contributed "A Riddle" to Edward Cave's (1691-1754) newly founded Gentleman's Magazine. This was followed a year later by her translation of Anacreon 30. In 1737 she moved from Deal to London. A number of other poetic contributions soon followed and were so well received that Cave chose Carter for the editorial team in the same year as another young poet, Samuel Johnson (1709-84). A life-long friendship soon developed between the writers. An edited volume of her father's sermons, two volumes of her verse, and translations from the French of Jean-Pierre de Crousaz's (1663-1750) "An Examination of Mr. Pope's 'Essay on Man'" and Francesco Algarotti's "Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy Explain'd for the Use of Ladies" from Italian soon followed, bringing her literary renown. In 1741, at a social gathering, Elizabeth was introduced by her astronomy tutor to the author and member of the Blue Stockings Society, Catherine Talbot (1721-70), with whom she formed an intense and enduring friendship. It was on behalf of Catherine that Carter undertook her major literary achievement, the first English translation of the complete works of Epictetus. Besides her translation of the Dialogues and Handbook, she added a lengthy introductory essay on Stoicism and frequent scholarly notes to the text. The deep religious sensibility of the work corresponded well with contemporary moral sentiment. Samuel Richardson was the printer and there were over 500 subscribers to the first edition of more than 1000 copies. A second edition of 250 copies was soon needed to meet the demand for the book. The income from the sale allowed Carter to enjoy financial security. 

      Carter never married, but never denied her intention to do so, saying up to the end of her life that she "may still do so." Her attitude towards the various marriage proposals she received is similar to the times she expressed distaste for the several offers of becoming a royal tutor. She had a kind and fun-loving nature which expressed itself in a love for dancing and the highest consideration and sensitivity towards others. She also was an indefatigable walker, an exercise that helped overcome the headaches brought on by her intense study.