Thanks to the recent discovery of Judith Sargent Murray's papers—including some 2,500 personal letters—Sheila L. Skemp has documented the compelling story of a talented and most unusual eighteenth-century woman.

First Lady of Letters
Judith Sargent Murray and the Struggle for Female Independence

Sheila L. Skemp

2009 | 512 pages | Cloth $39.95
American History | Biography | Women's/Gender Studies | Literature

Table of Contents

Preface

PART I. REBELLIONS: 1769-1784
Chapter 1. "This Remote Spot"
Chapter 2. Universal Salvation
Chapter 3. Independence
Chapter 4 Creating a Genteel Nation

PART II. REPUBLIC OF LETTERS: 1783-1798
Chapter 5. "Sweet Peace"
Chapter 6. A Belle Passion
Chapter 7. A Wider World
Chapter 8. A Career of Fame
Chapter 9. "A School of Virtue"
Chapter 10. Federalist Muse

PART III. RETREAT: 1798-1820
Chapter 11. "We Are Fallen on Evil Times"
Chapter 12. Republican Daughters, Republican Sons

Epilogue
Afterword

List of Archival Sources
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments