Woman Thinking: Feminism and Transcendentalism in Nineteenth-Century America

by Tiffany K. Wayne

This book explores the theoretical relationship between feminism and transcendentalism through the ideas and activism of prominent 19th century female thinkers and activists. By analyzing the work of such important figures in post-Civil War American intellectual life_such as Ednah Cheney, Caroline Dall, Margaret Fuller, and Elizabeth Oakes Smith_Tiffany Wayne demonstrates how transcendentalism provided a language with particular appeal to women and helped promote an emerging feminist movement with a similar goal of acknowledging women's right to self-development. Bridging the gap between the traditionally disparate fields of women's history and American intellectual history, this book is as much a re-visioning of transcendentalism_arguing for recognition of its more widespread and long-lasting influence in American cultural life_as a project in historicizing feminist theory.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

172 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wayne reestablishes women's primary role in Transcendentalist philosophy, including, but not limited to Margaret Fuller. She also extends the historiography of the movement to the post-bellum era, and argues that Transcendentalism was a useful platform for feminist social activism and reform, and suggests that this association has limited the recognition of women within the movement.

[tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable, well written and researched book.