She is an emeritus professor at Oxford University and the author of multiple books including Miss Angel: The Art and World of Angelica Kauffman and Madame de Staël: The Dangerous Exile.
Goodden is a fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford University, whose principal area of research and study is 18th and 19th century French culture, in particular literature and painting.
[1] Gooden has authored several biographical books, including on subjects such as Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Germaine de Staël, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
The book, Miss Angel: The Art and World of Angelica Kauffman, was generally well received by critics.
[9][10] As a sufferer of multiple sclerosis, Gooden has developed innovative solutions to maintain access and accommodate her specialised needs.