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From: lmb@mhuxm.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.books
Subject: Obscure favorites - women's literature
Message-ID: <1145@mhuxm.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 14-Nov-83 16:52:22 EST
Article-I.D.: mhuxm.1145
Posted: Mon Nov 14 16:52:22 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 15-Nov-83 08:26:01 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill
Lines: 22

Early (pre-twentieth century) feminist literature is
required reading for anyone with strong opinions on the
role of women.  The battle of the sexes takes on a new
light when one understands what it was like "back then".
In particular, I recommend 18th century writer Mary
Wollstonecraft "A Vindication of the Rights of Women",
and 19th century writings "Work" by Louisa May Alcott(!)
and "The Odd Women" by Gissing or Gisling.
The first is a classic in the field.  The latter two
describe the efforts of "respectable" spinsters to
support themselves.  Although the writing is stylized,
the point comes home that women in England and America
literally starved away if they could not find husbands.
The title of "The Odd Women" comes from a 19th century
term for spinsters.

I occasionally look for 20th century female authors.
Two books I have really enjoyed are "Gifts from the Sea"
by Anne Morrow Lindbergh and "Rebecca" by Daphne Demauriac (sp?).
Any other favorites?

Loreen Breda