William Godwin

William Godwin (1756-1836) is both one of the most important and underrated figures in libertarian thought. He has been called the first modern anarchist, the first proper utilitarian, and he was a foundational figure in both socialist and libertarian theory. Despite his significant contributions to philosophy, history, and social theory, Godwin is best remembered as husband to feminist author Mary Wollstonecraft and father to Mary Shelley.