“If I were asked, now that I am drawing to the close of this work, in which I have spoken of so many important things done by the Americans, to what the singular prosperity and growing strength of that people ought mainly to be attributed, I should reply—to the superiority of their women.” — Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840
Imagine being a woman in 1822 in rural America — a mother of four, with your next child due in a month — and your husband suddenly and unexpectedly dying. What would you do?
For most women, there was no choice; but for Sarah Josepha Hale, this tragic life event is what set her in a direction that influenced much of 19th century America.
Melanie Kirkpatrick has written the definitive biography about her impact: Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman. In it, we learn of a woman driven by principle and passion, who disrupted norms but was civil about it.
It’s the story of influence, transformation, and some surprising elements.
Links
Related post: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Timeless & Timely)
Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman
The Woman Who Invented Women’s History (WSJ - paywall lifted)
Music:
Long Road Ahead B by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100588
Artist: http://incompetech.com
Contact
To reach me to discuss a public speaking engagement, or to talk about my leadership coaching services, please email timeless @ scottmonty.com
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Episode 33: The Most Influential Woman