Mabel Bell: Alexander's Silent Partner

by Lilias Toward

The classic biography of Mabel Bell, Alexander Graham Bell's wife. Her illustrious husband aside, Mabel is well known as the founder of the first Montessori School in Canada, the organizer of the first Home & School Association in Canada. And more.

Genres: Biography

220 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subtitled "An intimate biography told from family letters and papers" explains what makes this such an interesting book. Mabel, an extremely bright but deaf person who blended into the speaking/hearing world, used (and saved) hundreds of letters over 30 years to not only connect with others, but to record events in her life. During the mid/late 1800's deaf people were sent to deaf mute schools to learn sign language, but Bell (who was a speech teacher) strongly believed in reading lips and vocalization for deaf mutes. Mabel married her teacher, Alexander Graham Bell, and succeeded in relationships (parents, children, as well as A G Bell) and challenges of life at an amazingly productive level in spite of her "handicap." The book is especially interesting as she does have a mind of her own and plays a critical role in pushing Bell as an inventor and experimenter at a time when he defined himself primarily as a deaf teacher. She has a lot of insight into family dynamics and, later, in to herself and the world of deafness. She did little associating with other deaf people and led quite a privileged life, but it is amazing how much of what she records and experiences has a strong universal appeal which any reader can relate to.

[Elizabeth Frey-Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting biography, utilizing Mabel Bell's correspondence as the backbone of the narrative. Definitely worth reading!

[Janel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a “thing” for books that highlight correspondence, so this book about Mabel Bell and her family definitely fits that niche. It also includes another favorite: a section of photos! The layout and publishing have the feel of a DIY or lower budget, but I still really enjoyed the story and never got bored.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot about Mabel and how despite her deafness she was a very influential in the life of her husband. She was a very independent women who didn't depend on her husband during the period of time that she lived.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly letters of Alex Graham Bell's deaf wife. She's highly intelligent and outspoken. Letters make for choppy reading. No dialogue. Some great photos. Insights into Bell's life but it just didn't flow for me.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a 2.5 because I loved learning things I didn't know, but I felt it was too long. It could have used a better editor.