Frontier Women: An Authentic History of the Courage and Trials of the Pioneer Heroines of Our American Frontier

by William Worthington Fowler

Genres: History, Womens Studies

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1995

About the author

1833-1881

Reviews

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A longish piece that is a child of its age. Originally written around 1876 under the title "Woman on the American Frontier," it exhibits much of the perception of that era with regard to Native Americans and African Americans. Yet it was likely before its time with regard to the role and attitude toward women.

From the coming of the Plymouth Pilgrims to the centenary, Fowler recounts the feats of women on the frontier, in harried and horrifying circumstances. The material brings one to recognize that life was nothing like it is today. One can only imagine how our forebearers survived such perils, whether man or woman, girl or boy! Some of the Victorian romantic with regard to womanhood unfortunately gushes in at times.

If a reader can accept the book for when it was written, and as a product of its era, without getting their hackles up, then that reader will find this book a valuable read. I recommend it.

[Jocelyn]

At times it was difficult to read through the bias against Native Americans considering most of the documents were very old and of a different time of intellect. However the stories of women's bravery and strength were truly inspirational. I marveled at how women have been taken for granted during expansion into the west. I have yet to see a western film that captured the perspectives in this book. It was nice to read some stories with heroines that didn't have to be cowgirls.

[Cws]

305.4