General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOne of the gifts my wife gave me for my 73rd birthday was the book shown below.
Knowing, as she does, my interest in old books about etiquette and the like, she found it on eBay. Published in 1906, I expected it to be another flowery book on how young women and girls should comport themselves in society. I enjoy such books, and chuckle aloud as I read them. While there was some of that sort of thing between this book's covers, I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that Margaret E. Sangster, was actually an early feminist. Not a feminist in the mold of street protesting women demanding their due, but in a more delicate, subtly subversive sort of way.
Throughout the book, in her delicately used 19th century English, the author champions women as equals to any man, and encourages her readers to establish themselves as fully-functioning citizens of society, through education and careers. She encourages them to become doctors, business owners, champions of social causes, and much, much more.
Keep in mind that 1906 was still a decade and a half from women having the right to vote. Restrictions on women at that time were strong and patriarchal. But, the foundation was being laid for something quite different, and Mrs. Sangster, a leader in the Young Women's Christian Association and a reasonably prominent poet and author of the period, had something to tell her readers that was eye-opening.
Now, a typical 21st century reader might not see the book as revolutionary at first glance. It still reads like a 19th century guide to graceful womanhood in parts. Many such books were written. But, within that framework, the author calls for women to become independent individuals, capable of doing anything they chose to do.
I found it to be a delightful read, flowery prose notwithstanding. As I read it, I imagined young women of that day finding something different in this book from what they had previously read. Different ideas. Different challenges. A different way of looking at themselves. Many might read it from a 21st century perspective and say, "What? I'm not getting that." But, if you had read as many similar books from that period and earlier as I have, you'd see just how different this book actually was.
Brava, Margaret E. Sangster! I would liked to have met you. Great job! It's our history. I find it fascinating to look at that history through the eyes of contemporary authors of their day. Thanks to my wonderful wife for finding it and making it a gift. She knows me well.
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)As someone who has made multiple cross country driving treks, I was impressed by your lovely wife's gift of a vintage road atlas.
My best wishes to you both, and thank you for all that you do.
MineralMan
(146,192 posts)I've been enjoying that old road atlas from my 16th year. I've been retracing trips made during the 1960s in it. Very memory-evoking.
eppur_se_muova
(36,227 posts)MineralMan
(146,192 posts)The first female doctors were just beginning to make their way in the United States in 1906. Women-owned businesses were beginning to appear, too. Women's colleges were still small, and only a very few co-ed schools, like Oberlin, existed.
Women were still "sheltered," but that was beginning to come to an end. It was an interesting period, but still tentative when it came to opportunities for women to become fully independent. That process has always interested me, and this little-known book had an impact on the process. I'm just starting to research the author a little more.
Lonestarblue
(9,880 posts)I recently watched a documentary film on the lives of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who began working to improve the lives of women and obtain equal rights well before the Civil War. Their agitation helped lead to college being opened to women and to rights such as owning their own prooerty and having equal rights to custody of their children. Stanton, especially was a somewhat salty writer, comparing wives at the time to free prostitutes, and I plan to find her speeches for some good reading.
malaise
(267,823 posts)Lovely post
Her choice suggests that you walk the talk- but we know that already
Hekate
(90,202 posts)Some of the women's writing from that era (say, 1880 to 1920) is priceless, especially the autobiographical material. Regardless of socioeconomic status, they faced obstacles we have a hard time imagining -- very enjoyable way of reading history.
Happy Birthday, Mineral Man!
MineralMan
(146,192 posts)I think my wife paid $2.99 with $4 shipping. It was in remarkable condition, too. It looked like it had one reading only, and had marginal notes by its reader, who I assume was a young woman of that time. They were charming, too. Books from that period are always very inexpensive on eBay.
TuxedoKat
(3,818 posts)I read this one, different topic on the education of children: Natural Education. Very interesting.
https://archive.org/details/naturaleducation00stoniala
Oh, and Happy Birthday too!
pansypoo53219
(20,906 posts)i love finding neat old books at estate sales. i have a hysterical little book on sexual diseases from 1920ish. i have gotten more use out of my 20,000 words
samnsara
(17,570 posts)MineralMan
(146,192 posts)Books are for reading, in whatever edition you find them. I'm not a collector any longer. I used to have a large collection of early etiquette books, but finally sold them off on eBay. it's what's inside a book that matters, really.