No Rooms of Their Own: Women Writers of Early California, 1849–1869

by Ida Rae Egli (Editor)

In the wild, isolated Western frontier, where laws, traditions, and living conditions were like nowhere else in America, it was a bold act for a woman to write and to seek publication. Dame Shirley, Ina Coolbrith, and Mary Hallock Foote never achieved the fame and success of Mark Twain or Bret Harte, but they were celebrated writers in their time. They, too, wrote about California during the gold rush, but with a perspective all their own. Their writings, as well as the poetry, fiction, essays, memoirs, and diary entries of other women writers of their era, are collected in No Rooms of Their Own. First published by Heyday in 1992 and now reissued under our California Legacy series, No Rooms of Their Own has become a standard reference and a starting point for many studies. More importantly, No Rooms of Their Own remains one of the few anthologies in which the scope and range of authentic literary voices of the women of the gold rush era can be heard. This collection―now repackaged for a contemporary audience―pays homage to the talent and experiences of these women who built the West.

Genres: History, Womens, American History, Short Stories, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

Reviews

[Dorothy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I more often read fiction and detective thrillers, this biographical compilation of works by women writers during the California Gold Rush era caught my attention, and I have to admit I enjoyed the book very much. Each author--women of different backgrounds, different educational attainment, and living in different places within California--is given a biographical sketch, followed by brief excerpts of her published work. Since it has always seemed there were few women in early California, it was a surprise to me to find so many capable and talented women writers. Some did fiction; some did local color; some did biography. Each except was interesting; some were absolutely brilliant. For history buffs, or anyone looking for contributions by women that often go unnoticed, I can heartily recommend this book!

[Alie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book didn't live up to the title. Most of the book is written by the author not the early californians which blows the point if you ask me. The analysis/commentary was pretty simplistic. I recommend Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey instead.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring stories of pioneer women who bring to life the early days of California