Righting Women: Interpretations of the Lives of Anglo-American Victorian Women

Abstract

Reviews nine books about important nineteenth-century British and American women. Has exceptional praise for Hedrick’s biography of Stone and Capper’s life of Margaret Fuller. Contrasts Uglow’s and Bonaparte’s biographies of Elizabeth Gaskell, finding both of value but Uglow’s more subtle and insightful. Calls Kern’s book on Stone a useful addition to women’s studies, but finds Rubenstein’s study of Millicent Fawcett and Roberts’ book on Jex-Blake of more limited value, though both contain enlightening observations. Judges Silverthorne’s study of Jewett well written but superficial, while Wood’s biography of Broughton is not well done. Comments on some topics common among all these life studies.