Martha, Daughter of Virginia

by Marguerite Vance, Mildred Boyle (Illustrator)

Juvenile biographical fiction.

Genres: Biography

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1973

About the author

Aka Sarah K. Wright (Tales From Grimm), Anne Kramer.

" Marguerite Vance was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended Miss Martin's School there, from the primary grades to graduation from the collegiate department.

Following graduation she spent three years in Paris. Returning home she married and lived for twenty-one years in Cleveland. After her husband's death in 1931 Mrs. Vance had charge of the book department in the Eastman Bolton Gallery, then for two years was with the Eigbee book department, both in Cleveland.

In 1933 she (moved) to New York to take charge of the children's book department in Dutton's Book Store on Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street. That year her first book, A Star for Hansi, was pub­lished by Harper.

In 1940 she joined the staff of E.P. Dutton & Company as editor of children's books. Of her own published books, the most recent carry the Dutton imprint. They are: Boy on the Road: A Christmas Story; While Shepherds Watched; Martha, Daughter of Virginia; Patsy Jefferson of Monticello; The Lees Of Arlington; Marie Antoinette, Daughter of an Empress; Lady Jane Grey, Reluctant Queen; The Jacksons of Tennessee; On Wings of Fire; Windows for Rosemary and The Empress Josephine: from Martinique to Malmaison
(September 1956)."

- This biography is not dated but was requested on October 11th 1960 in correspondence between Vance, E.P. Dutton and Maine State Library's Maine Author Collection so is presumed accurate at least up until that point. The full correspondence can be read here

Reviews

[Sandy Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published in 1947...keeping that in mind, the book is filled with historical inaccuracies. Worst of all is the matter-of-fact manner in which slavery is discussed. I don’t care what era it was written in, you’ll never convince me that the slaves were just so honored to serve the Washington’s.

Some good insights on little known family members got it two stars from me.

[Nazziwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, I hardly knew anything of Martha Washington's life before she became our country's first lady. But I enjoyed learning about her role inside the home and how she supported her family throughout the years during trying times. It was also fun to read about the different types of food and food combinations they ate during the 1700's.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction. This is written for young adults, but I enjoyed it, learning about life in a different century.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words escape me. I have tears in my eyes from the things our First Lady endured, yet a smile on my lips. This is a beautiful peep into her life and our nation.