Women and the Alphabet A Series of Essays By: Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1823-1911)
Women and the Alphabet: A Series of Essays by Thomas Wentworth Higginson succeeds in offering a thought-provoking exploration of women's struggles and achievements through the lens of literacy. Higginson, a notable abolitionist and women's rights advocate, presents a compilation of essays that dives deep into the historical and societal forces that limited women's access to education and how they progressively overcame these barriers. One of the key strengths of this book lies in Higginson's comprehensive research and his skillful integration of historical accounts and personal anecdotes. By delving into the emergence of women's literacy within different cultures and time periods, Higginson effectively provides a broader understanding of the various challenges faced by women seeking education. Moreover, he integrates a plethora of examples showcasing remarkable women who defied societal norms to pursue their own intellectual development—a testament to their resilience and determination. The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book appealing to both casual readers and scholars interested in the topic. Higginson's prose is clear and concise, allowing readers to grasp complex historical contexts without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, his insightful commentary and astute analysis add depth to the narrative, elevating the book from a mere historical account to a nuanced exploration of feminism and gender equality. Furthermore, Women and the Alphabet successfully challenges conventional notions of women's intellectual capacity and their role in society. Higginson counters prevalent stereotypes of women being intellectually inferior, emphasizing their inherent intellectual abilities and underlining the necessity of education for their empowerment. Throughout the book, he skillfully argues that literacy is not only crucial for women's personal growth but also for the progress of society as a whole. However, it is worth noting that the book's focus on literacy occasionally overshadows other important aspects of women's struggle for equality, such as economic independence or political participation. While Higginson acknowledges these aspects and their connection to literacy, a more holistic examination of women's liberation would have added further depth to the narrative. In conclusion, Women and the Alphabet: A Series of Essays serves as a comprehensive and enlightening account of women's journey towards intellectual emancipation. Higginson's meticulous research, engaging writing style, and inspiring anecdotes culminate in a book that sheds light on the significance of literacy in women's history. Overall, this work not only celebrates the accomplishments of pioneering women but also underlines the ongoing struggle for gender equality, urging readers to reflect on the transformative power of education. First Page: WOMEN AND THE ALPHABET A Series of Essays by THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON 1881 PREFATORY NOTE The first essay in this volume, "Ought Women to learn the Alphabet?" appeared originally in the "Atlantic Monthly" of February, 1859, and has since been reprinted in various forms, bearing its share, I trust, in the great development of more liberal views in respect to the training and duties of women which has made itself manifest within forty years. There was, for instance, a report that it was the perusal of this essay which led the late Miss Sophia Smith to the founding of the women's college bearing her name at Northampton, Massachusetts. The remaining papers in the volume formed originally a part of a book entitled "Common Sense About Women" which was made up largely of papers from the "Woman's Journal." This book was first published in 1881 and was reprinted in somewhat abridged form some years later in London (Sonnenschein). It must have attained a considerable circulation there, as the fourth (stereotyped) edition appeared in 1897. From this London reprint a German translation was made by Fräulein Eugenie Jacobi, under the title "Die Frauenfrage und der gesunde Menschenverstand" (Schupp: Neuwied and Leipzig, 1895). T.W.H. CAMBRIDGE, MASS. CONTENTS I... Continue reading book >>

Women and the Alphabet A Series of Essays By: Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1823-1911)

Women and the Alphabet: A Series of Essays by Thomas Wentworth Higginson succeeds in offering a thought-provoking exploration of women's struggles and achievements through the lens of literacy. Higginson, a notable abolitionist and women's rights advocate, presents a compilation of essays that dives deep into the historical and societal forces that limited women's access to education and how they progressively overcame these barriers.

One of the key strengths of this book lies in Higginson's comprehensive research and his skillful integration of historical accounts and personal anecdotes. By delving into the emergence of women's literacy within different cultures and time periods, Higginson effectively provides a broader understanding of the various challenges faced by women seeking education. Moreover, he integrates a plethora of examples showcasing remarkable women who defied societal norms to pursue their own intellectual development—a testament to their resilience and determination.

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book appealing to both casual readers and scholars interested in the topic. Higginson's prose is clear and concise, allowing readers to grasp complex historical contexts without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, his insightful commentary and astute analysis add depth to the narrative, elevating the book from a mere historical account to a nuanced exploration of feminism and gender equality.

Furthermore, Women and the Alphabet successfully challenges conventional notions of women's intellectual capacity and their role in society. Higginson counters prevalent stereotypes of women being intellectually inferior, emphasizing their inherent intellectual abilities and underlining the necessity of education for their empowerment. Throughout the book, he skillfully argues that literacy is not only crucial for women's personal growth but also for the progress of society as a whole.

However, it is worth noting that the book's focus on literacy occasionally overshadows other important aspects of women's struggle for equality, such as economic independence or political participation. While Higginson acknowledges these aspects and their connection to literacy, a more holistic examination of women's liberation would have added further depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, Women and the Alphabet: A Series of Essays serves as a comprehensive and enlightening account of women's journey towards intellectual emancipation. Higginson's meticulous research, engaging writing style, and inspiring anecdotes culminate in a book that sheds light on the significance of literacy in women's history. Overall, this work not only celebrates the accomplishments of pioneering women but also underlines the ongoing struggle for gender equality, urging readers to reflect on the transformative power of education.

First Page:

WOMEN AND THE ALPHABET

A Series of Essays

THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON

1881

PREFATORY NOTE

The first essay in this volume, "Ought Women to learn the Alphabet?" appeared originally in the "Atlantic Monthly" of February, 1859, and has since been reprinted in various forms, bearing its share, I trust, in the great development of more liberal views in respect to the training and duties of women which has made itself manifest within forty years. There was, for instance, a report that it was the perusal of this essay which led the late Miss Sophia Smith to the founding of the women's college bearing her name at Northampton, Massachusetts.

The remaining papers in the volume formed originally a part of a book entitled "Common Sense About Women" which was made up largely of papers from the "Woman's Journal." This book was first published in 1881 and was reprinted in somewhat abridged form some years later in London (Sonnenschein). It must have attained a considerable circulation there, as the fourth (stereotyped) edition appeared in 1897. From this London reprint a German translation was made by Fräulein Eugenie Jacobi, under the title "Die Frauenfrage und der gesunde Menschenverstand" (Schupp: Neuwied and Leipzig, 1895).

T.W.H.

CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

CONTENTS

I... Continue reading book >>

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