In Her Own Right: The Life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton

by Elisabeth Griffith

The first comprehensive, fully documented biography of the most important woman suffragist and feminist reformer in nineteenth-century America, In Her Own Right restores Elizabeth Cady Stanton to her true place in history. Griffith emphasizes the significance of role models and female friendships in Stanton's progress toward personal and political independence. In Her Own Right is, in the author's words, an "unabashedly 'great woman' biography."

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Feminism, Womens, Memoir, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 1984

Reviews

[Amanda Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfectly adequate account of the life of ECS, although there were several factors that made it unsatisfying to me. The major one is that it largely fails to properly detail what in our time is ECS's most controversial period, her opposition to the 14/15th Amendments. This is such an important issue and such a complex one you really need to take a show, don't tell approach to her rhetoric, many more direct quotes required for the reader to really get a sense of the context of her views and the extent to which the racially tinged component affects the whole. Frederick Douglass gets a couple of passing mentions in the whole book,where their relationship could have illuminated much of this I think. I gather from the Methodological Note at the end about social learning theory they author is more interested in psychological matters more so than political ones but lack of nuanced discussion of this period it is a significant weakness.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two things struck me especially hard in this book. First, Elizabeth Cady Stanton first became interested in the rights of women she was she overwhelmed by the domestic duties that consumed the lives of women. While much has changed since then, I think the responsibilities of home and children continue to keep many women from reading and thinking as much as they would like. Second, toward the end of her life, Stanton made her most compelling case for equal treatment for women. That we are, in essence, each alone. That no one, no man, can protect a woman throughout her entire life. Women must have the education and the skills to care for themselves in case they need to. My dad gave me that same lecture when I was about 12. it's something we should remind all of our children of. An interesting look at this feminist icon.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine, honest read. The author does a really good job of pointing out Stanton's many foibles, pettiness, and hypocrisies. Like all of us, she was a complicated person. It's refreshing to see that in a biography.
One of the most interesting aspects of Stanton's life was her intense, intricate, and intimate relationship with Susan B. Anthony, who nagged, supported, annoyed, and pushed Stanton to greater heights.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an incredibly interesting person who led a remarkable and a both totally conventional and wholly unconventional life. She was throbbing life itself. The definition of yin-yang.

[Sandy Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but I was left with too many questions. I didn't care how many times she was president of a newly titled group, but I would have enjoyed her reaction to the election of US presidents and events that were a part of her world. Would have loved a page about how her hard work helped women gain the right to vote in 1920.

[Beverly Johansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

No-frills biography

Author used facts of Stanton's life and behavioral science to paint a portrait of a woman who worked through life to become self-realized and free others ( mainly women) from chains of ignorance, poverty, discrimination, and subservience.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

On and on and on

Although an interesting history, because her passion for women’s rights was so focused with little success, the book stalls out before half way through. I would have rather read a collection of her speeches.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography. Now, I need to go read Stanton's 6 volumes on women's rights.

[Saklani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written history of one of the pioneers of women's rights. She had radical ideas, but lived mostly a provincial life of children and housekeeping. However, she advanced some of the most modern ideas of feminism of the time, including a point-by-point repudiation of the interpretation of the interpretation of the Bible that painted women as inferior to men.

This book does not gloss over Stanton's imperfections, which is nice, and it does paint a vivid picture of a rather remarkable individual, especially for her time. If not this book, some history of Stanton should be required for all kids in the US.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman should read this book especially young women who have no idea how much their foremothers had to struggle to assure for them the rights and privileges they take for granted today. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was so much more than a suffragist. As a feminist in the truest sense she fought for women to be entitled to the equality they deserved by being created in the image and likeness of God. We owe a debt of gratitude to this woman.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating, complex woman who deserves to be treated more completely by history. This book bogged down toward the end....she and Susan Anthony seemed to have argued about virtually everything, but neother was willing to "give".
In spite of that, they remained friends until the end...and neither saw the day when women could vote. I want a rest from this topic for awhile, but would like to read the book Sisters,which is about their relationship.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. In my opinion it captures the flaws and the strengths of her character, instead of merely reeling off all her accomplishments. This book reads like a novel and when I've suggested it to students, I've found that they enjoy it. Much of the Ken Burns documentary on Stanton & Anthony draws on this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, here's the thing. I liked the book a lot--thought it did a great job of capturing the complexity of Stanton. Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the women's suffrage movement.
However, it wasn't one of those biographies that captured my imagination. It was one of those books that I didn't feel pulled back to--and it shows in how long it took me to finish it!

[Jodi Meadows]

This book has had a tremendous impact on me. As a mother of four, I can relate to her well expressed feelings of being trapped and isolated, especially when the children were young. Her writing has prompted me to examine some of my own ideas about the division of labor in the home and child rearing. Although she was certainly not perfect, she was brave.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in hopes of learning more about Elizabeth Cady Stanton after reading Not for Ourselves Alone. A wonderful review of her life and a good reminder of the humanity of all strong historical figures.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, readable, and psychologically useful to me at this moment in my life. Filled in gaps in my limited knowledge of the 19th century feminist movement in America. Very glad someone left this book in the path of the friend who gave it to me.

[Heidi Scanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating biography of an important feminist from the 1800's who too many of us don't know much about. She was considered extremist and shunned by many because she fought for women's equality in all aspects not just for the right to vote.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good biography, which I picked up at the National Women's History Museum (run by the National Park Service) in Elizabeth Cady Stanton's hometown of Seneca Falls, NY.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about an extraordinary woman in her time.

[Jocie · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating story about my relative!

[Rosanne Cedroni]

This book was mentioned by Ken Burns in the introduction of his book about Stanton and Anthony - it sounds good!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read, the author takes a different approach by viewing the psychological aspects of Cady Stanton however doesn't entirely prove her thesis.

[Sherry Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent biography, wonderful subject.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to learn more about this amazing woman but I thought her incredible life could have been told with more passion and in a more engaging way, still it was great to learn more about her.

[Jo-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was the reason I switched back to my own ("maiden") name after 9 years of happy wedlock.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed it and also watched the Ken Burns PBS documentary to add to the experience - called For Ourselves Alone.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mediocre read about a remarkable woman.