Francis Newman and the Capacities of Women

Abstract

Sketches the lifelong interest of Francis Newman in women’s issues. Corrects mistaken impressions that his 1865 Westminster Review article “Capacities of Women” is largely about Frances Cobb by noting Newman’s extensive commentary in that piece on Anna Swanwick and Bessie Raynor Parkes. Finds Newman less condescending than most men critiquing female authors.