Frances Burney

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In: 18th Century Women, Literature, Writing

At the age of fifteen, Frances Burney (1752-1840) tossed the plays, poems, and first novel she had written into a bonfire. Why? She was consumed with guilt. After all, in 1767, women were not supposed to spend their time writing anything but private letters. Better they perform useful household chores and fine needlework. Luckily, Frances Burney’s resolve to be a proper lady did not last more than nine months at which time she began a journal which is remarkable recounting of the history and personages of the late 18th and early 19th century. Over a lifetime that took her from England to France and back toRead More →

George Sand

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In: News

How I wish I could impart to you this sense of the intensity and joyousness of life that I have in my veins. To live! How sweet it is, and how good, in spite of annoyances, husbands, debts, relations, scandal-mongers, sufferings, and irritations! To live! It is intoxicating! To love, and to be loved! It is happiness! It is heaven! George Sand Amantine Dupin (1804-1876), better known as George Sand, is considered one of the literary greats of the 19th century, publishing over fifty novels and twelve plays, as well as numerous political essays and memoirs. The daughter of a French lieutenant with ties to theRead More →

Sara Josepha Hale

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In: 19th Century Women, Authors, Literature

If you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday, you can thank Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1877). Hale, the first woman magazine editor in the United States, petitioned Presidents for 17 years until Abraham Lincoln established the day in 1863. Hale believed in educating girls  (She later helped establish Vassar College) having obtained her education second-hand from her brother who taught her what he was learning at Dartmouth. Widowed with five children, Hale wrote and worked to support her family. As editor of first the American Lady’s Book and then Godey’s Lady Book she was arbitrator of American fashion and letters for over 40 years. She believed that American publications should support American writersRead More →