Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

The Woman Who Toils Being the Experiences of Two Gentlewomen as Factory Girls   By: (1867-1936)

Book cover

In "The Woman Who Toils: Being the Experiences of Two Gentlewomen as Factory Girls," Marie Van Vorst offers readers a captivating and thought-provoking look into the harsh realities of the early 20th-century factory system. Drawing from her own experiences as a factory worker, Van Vorst gives readers an intimate portrayal of the struggles faced by women laborers during this time.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is Van Vorst's ability to convey the stark contrast between her privileged upbringing as a gentlewoman and the grueling conditions she encountered in the factory. Through her vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, she takes readers on a harrowing journey, exposing the long hours of strenuous labor and the constant threat of injury or even death that workers faced daily.

What sets this book apart is Van Vorst's commitment to shedding light on the experiences of her fellow female factory workers. She skillfully captures the sense of camaraderie and resilience among these women, showcasing their unwavering determination to provide for themselves and their families in a society often dismissive of their plight. She confronts the injustices they faced, such as low wages, exploitative supervisors, and the lack of safety regulations. Moreover, she emphasizes the gendered division of labor, portraying the distinctive hardships faced by women in male-dominated industries.

While the book offers a powerful critique of industrial capitalism and the working conditions of the time, it also serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Van Vorst's vivid storytelling evokes a range of emotions, from anger and frustration at the injustice endured by these workers, to admiration and respect for their endurance and determination.

Despite its significant contribution to the literature on labor and women's history, "The Woman Who Toils" is not without its limitations. Some readers may find the narrative at times overly sentimental or marked by a sense of detachment due to Van Vorst's position as an observer turned participant. Additionally, the book's focus on the experiences of two gentlewomen factory workers might not fully reflect the diversity of the working class during the era.

In conclusion, "The Woman Who Toils" is a compelling and eye-opening account of the realities of factory work for women, written with both empathy and a critical perspective. It serves as a valuable historical document, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of those who toiled tirelessly to support themselves and their families. Overall, Van Vorst's work is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the social and cultural history of the early 20th century and the struggles of women in the labor force.

First Page:

[Illustration: MRS. JOHN VAN VORST AS "ESTHER KELLY" Wearing the costume of the pickle factory]

[Illustration: MISS MARIE VAN VORST AS "BELL BALLARD" At work in a shoe factory]

THE WOMAN WHO TOILS

Being the Experiences of Two Gentlewomen as Factory Girls

BY

MRS. JOHN VAN VORST

and

MARIE VAN VORST

ILLUSTRATED

NEW YORK:

DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY

1903

DEDICATION

To Mark Twain

In loving tribute to his genius, and to his human sympathy, which in Pathos and Seriousness, as well as in Mirth and Humour, have made him kin with the whole world:

this book is inscribed by

BESSIE and MARIE VAN VORST.

PREFATORY LETTER FROM THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Written after reading Chapter III. when published serially

WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, October 18, 1902.

My Dear Mrs. Van Vorst :

I must write you a line to say how much I have appreciated your article, "The Woman Who Toils." But to me there is a most melancholy side to it, when you touch upon what is fundamentally infinitely more important than any other question in this country that is, the question of race suicide, complete or partial ... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books