Description
Book SynopsisTraces the emergence of the 'New Woman' by examining poetry published by American women in newspapers and magazines between 1800 and 1900. This book tracks how US women exploited the freedom offered by the nation's periodical press columns to engage in debate with each other and with men over matters of mutual concern.
Trade Review"Bennett has uncovered a number of unknown and anonymous writers who sought a public forum for their often highly publicized views. Beautiful illustrations from a number of journals, meticulous explanatory notes, and a comprehensive index supplement this engaging volume."--Choice "[Bennett advances] the critical discussions of poetry, sentimentality, women's cultural production, and the histories of gender and race."--Janet Gray, Legacy "A] richly researched and superbly documented study... Bennett has provided a democratizing narrative of women's self-definition that is beautifully written."--Vivian R. Pollak, Modern Language Quarterly
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xiii Abbreviations xv Introduction: Poetry in the Public Sphere 1 PART ONE 1.Literary Sentimentality and the Genteel Lyric 17 2.High Sentimentality and the Politics of Reform 40 3.The Politics and Poetics of Difference 62 4.Harper, Parnell, Lazarus, and Johnson 86 PART TWO 5.Domestic Gothic and Sentimental Parody 113 6.Irony's Edge: Sarah Piatt and the Postbellum Speaker 135 7.Sex, Sexualities, and Female Erotic Discourse 159 8.Making It New in the Fin de Siecle 181 Coda: After 1910 205 Notes 217 Index 253
