ASTELL, MARY (1668-1731), English author, was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She published, in 1697, a work en titled A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, wherein a Method is offered for the Improvement of their Minds. A scheme of hers for an Anglican sisterhood which was favourably entertained by Queen Anne, was frustrated by Bishop Burnet. Mary Astell was attacked in the Tatler (No. 52) under the name of Madonella.