Synopses & Reviews
From the author of the acclaimed Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers, a landmark work of lesbian history that both "sets the record straight (or unstraight)" for all Americans and "provides a usable past" for lesbians "This is a book about how millions of American women became what they are now: full citizens, educated, and capable of earning a decent living for themselves. But it departs from other such histories because it focuses on how certain late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century women whose lives can be described as 'lesbian' were in the forefront of the battle to procure the rights and privileges that large numbers of Americans enjoy today." A groundbreaking reappraisal of those women known by history but whose histories are incomplete, To Believe in Women examines how their lesbianism may in fact have facilitated their accomplishments. Lillian Faderman, twice winner of the Lambda Award, persuasively argues that even before a "lesbian identity" was defined, many early female leaders had what would now be called lesbian relationships, free from the constraints of traditional heterosexual arrangements that might otherwise have impeded their pursuits in education, politics, and culture. A book of impeccable research and compelling readability, To Believe in Women will be a source of enlightenment for all, and for many a singular source of pride.
Review
"This book will raise eyebows and consciousness." -- Dianne Wood Middlebrook
Review
"An essential and impassioned addition to American history." Kirkus Reviews
"For those who need a dose of pride and a slice of history, Faderman's portraits should strike a popular note. 'To Believe in Women' is a decent starting point for learning about these pioneers and their contributions to American life." -- reviewed by Karla Jay The New York Times
"Solid historical research and analysis in a voice that is easily accessible and often quite moving." The Washington Post
"This book will raise eyebrows and consciousness." -- Dianne Wood Middlebrook
Synopsis
This landmark work of lesbian history focuses on how certain late-nineteenth-century and twentieth-century women whose lives can be described as lesbian were in the forefront of the battle to secure the rights and privileges that large numbers of Americans enjoy today. Lillian Faderman persuasively argues that their lesbianism may in fact have facilitated their accomplishments. A book of impeccable research and compelling readability, TO BELIEVE IN WOMEN will be a source of enlightenment for all, and for many a singular source of pride.
About the Author
Lillian Faderman is the author of such acclaimed works as To Believe in Women, Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers, and Surpassing the Love of Men. Among the many honors her work has received are the Yale University James Brudner Award for Exemplary Scholarship in Lesbian/Gay Studies, three Lambda Literary Awards, and the Paul Monette Award. She teaches literature and creative writing at California State University at Fresno.
Table of Contents
I. How American women got enfranchised. The loves and living arrangements of nineteenth-century suffrage leaders -- Bringing the suffrage movement into the twentieth century : Anna Howard Shaw -- Victory : Carrie Chapman Catt -- Two steps forward-- . II. How America got a social conscience. Mother-hearts/lesbian-hearts -- Social housekeeping : the inspiration of Jane Addams -- Social housekeeping becomes a profession : Frances Kellor -- Poisoning the source. III. How American women got educated. "Mental hermaphrodites" : pioneers in women's education -- Making women's higher education even higher : M. Carey Thomas -- The struggle to maintain women's leadership : Mary Emma Woolley -- The triumph of Angelina : education in femininity. IV. How American women got into the professions. "When more women enter professions" : lesbian pioneering in the learned professions -- Marking places for women in medicine : Emily Blackwell -- Carrying on : Martha May Eliot, M.D. -- The rush to bake the pies and have the babies.