During her long career as a public figure in Jacksonian America; Anne Royall was called everything from an "enemy of religion" to a "Jackson man" to a "common scold." In her search for the source of such strong reactions; Elizabeth Clapp has uncovered the story of a widely read woman of letters who asserted her right to a political voice without regard to her gender. Widowed and in need of a livelihood following a disastrous lawsuit over her husband’s will; Royall decided to earn her living through writing--first as a travel writer; journeying through America to research and sell her books; and later as a journalist and editor. Her language and forcefully expressed opinions provoked people at least as much as did her inflammatory behavior and aggressive marketing tactics. An ardent defender of American liberties; she attacked the agents of evangelical revivals; the Bank of the United States; and corruption in government. Her positions were frequently extreme; directly challenging the would-be shapers of the early republic’s religious and political culture. She made many enemies; but because she also attracted many supporters; she was not easily silenced. The definitive account of a passionate voice when America was inventing itself; A Notorious Woman re-creates a fascinating stage on which women’s roles; evangelical hegemony; and political involvement were all contested.
#1582510 in Books University of Virginia Press 1999-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.02 x .20 x 8.27l; .50 #File Name: 081391867781 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Minnesota Loves BrazilYou will learn more in these fascinating and well-written 81 pages than in most tomes.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Island CookA good research book.17 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Excellent easy to read with surprising insights into slaveryBy A CustomerThis is a short overview of some of the discoveries made by the author and her team of archaeologists at Poplar Forest; Thomas Jefferson's retreat home. It is well written with outstanding photographs and maps. The author writes clearly without imposing her own opinion on the reader as to the results of some of the surprising discoveries made at the site. The author encourages the reader to continue his/her own provoking thought by acknowledging that the site is still very much a work in progress and causes the reader to look forward to further discoveries. This author is to be commended for her straightforward writing that allows even the layperson to come away with a great deal of acquired knowledge.
