Edward Wortley Montagu (diplomat)

Edward Wortley Montagu (1713 – 1776) was a British author, traveller, and Member of Parliament. He was the son of Edward Wortley Montagu and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, known for her letters and introduction of smallpox inoculation to Britain.

Montagu was educated at Westminster School and Eton College. He eloped from Eton, travelling extensively. He later spent time in the Royal Navy. His early life was marked by unconventional behavior and a strained relationship with his mother, though they maintained correspondence.

He served as Member of Parliament for Huntingdon from 1747 to 1754, and for Bossiney from 1761 to 1768. However, he was more renowned for his travels and writings than for his political career.

Montagu embraced orientalism and spent a considerable portion of his life in the Middle East, adopting local customs and even converting to Islam. He lived in various countries, including Egypt and Italy.

He authored several works, including "Reflections on the Rise and Fall of the Antient Republics" (1759), which was published anonymously. His writings reflected his observations and experiences gleaned from his extensive travels and demonstrated a keen interest in history and political thought. He also published articles on scientific subjects.

Edward Wortley Montagu died in Padua, Italy, in 1776. He was a complex figure known for his eccentric lifestyle, intellectual curiosity, and adventurous spirit.