Spirited American Women: Early Writers, Artists, & Activists

From before the Revolution, women in the early United States of America were independent – writers, editors, publishers, printers, painters, and sculptors. Many were active in supporting the Revolution, women's rights, and abolition of slavery. Of the near 100 women in this 2nd Edition, thirteen (13) new artists and writers/publishers have been added. Many of the women may be unknown to the casual reader. However, young researchers have contributed to our knowledge, enabling us to learn of more spirited women.The short biographies (most are one page) are an easy and quick read, to entice you to learn more of each woman. The biographies should be read as an important demonstration of the often unsung people of American history – primarily before the Revolution and the Civil War. The first woman in the book was born in 1617.The biographies are organized by birth date, divided into five sections. The first section consists of a few poems designed to give a flavor of the many unnamed people at and near the beginning of America. The remaining four sections of short prose biographies correspond with important periods of history. Determination, skill, and activism of these women are on every page.Because he was so central to publishing, politics, writing, and abolition activity within a large part of the book’s period, a man, William Lloyd Garrison, is included. He published The Liberator newspaper.Also new to this 2nd Edition are two research references for each woman. An Index at the end is alphabetical by last name. Also, there is a Chronology Listing of Writers, and, separately, Chronology Listing of Artists – in addition to the Chronological Index of Black and Native-American Women. A Chronology of ImportantEvents, of laws, wars, organizations, and more, noted in the biographies will help the reader relate the actions of the women to the historical period. Read more