A Jury of Her Peers: Celebrating American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx Paperback – January 12, 2010

This is a leading history of women's writing in American literary history: it is well written, richly documented, insightful, thorough, and simply put, it is essential for an understanding and comprehension of the great and many accomplishments of American women writers. There will be more work in this arena, needed work, but this will continue to be a leading document of the contributions and achievements of women writers. I am grateful to have it.

Elaine Showalter's thematic, though not chronologic, followup to her superb "A Literature of Their Own" shows that she has lost none of her ability to write breezily readable lit crit. Or in this instance, lit history. Or actually, a bit of both. With a soupcon of feminist diatribe thrown in (more about that later).In 600 pages she covers the history of American female writing, from Colonial times to the day before yesterday, bringing to light writers and literature that time had buried and shows how the writing reflected themes historical, social and psychological. Her writing appears effortless and the reading becomes so as well. Her research is prodigious. Clearly Showalter is aiming to write a definitive history and if her ambition exceeds her accomplishment, it is only because of the inherent limitations of a single authored work.As she explains in her introduction, she is not shy of expressing her opinion and making artistic judgements but it is here one finds the book's weaknesses.Apropos of Victorian pious, conventional poetry she approvingly quotes "The simpler the surface of a poem, the more likely it is that a second, and more difficult poem, will exist beneath it" (p.60). Does that mean simplistic sentimental verse is always complex? Could this simply mean you can always find what you want to read into something (a not uncommon academic ploy)? And why can't a cigar simply be a cigar?She also makes the statement that Harriet Beecher Stowe is "the most important figure in the history of American women's writing"(p.109). I presumed this is meant in busting the door open for woman authorship because she never defines "important". If she means sales and influence, then Dan Brown's "Da Vinici Code" is the most important book of our time. If she means morally important, why doesn't that make Toni Morrison equally important for "Beloved"?She throws in the bizarre statement that some of the lyrics of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" reflect the "expression of rage Howe stifled in her marriage"(p.134). How does she know this? She never says.And so on.Unfortunately the cumulative effect comes off as affirmative action in literature. Artistic mediocrity should be stated outright(which in fairness she frequently does). Historic worth and artistic worth should not be conflated. And feminist motivation should not need to be taken on faith. We don't have to even the playing field. Writers such as Willa Cather and Emily Dickinson and Edith Wharton deserve better. They have proven that no one must play with a handicap for them to triumph.

A JURY OF HER PEERS is an invaluable reference when reading AMERICAN WOMEN WRITERS by the same author. It gives the historical background and interconnections of the authors thus enriching the whole..

A very fine history of the evolution of women writers from the 1600s to today. Very important for men and women to learn about the literature and background of these very talented writers. Enjoyed the book very much.

The first half of the book was phenomenal and the second half just got tedious and boring. I think she is an excellent writer and this was an excellent idea, but I would not sit down and read this for anything other than Women's Studies.

An excellent addition to anyone's library of women's history & writing. It includes much about women writers little heard of and the importance of their work.

I'm so glad that I got this book and I received it in a timely manner and in excellent condition.

Women have always been writing, even before our nation was created, but it is only until now that one woman has endeavored to chronicle the history of women writers--essayists, novelists, playwrights, poets, and more--in America. A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx, written by Elaine Showalter, a professor emerita at Princeton University, is the the first book of its kind. Its title is aptly taken from the short story by early twentieth century writer Susan Glaspell, about two women who conceal evidence of another woman's crime, appointing themselves a jury of her peers, and protecting her from "the patriarchal system of the Law."The theme of judgment throughout this book is present, but not overpowering. A Jury of Her Peers is quite readable and fascinating as Showalter explores not only the works, but also the lives, of the many women who have in some way taken part in shaping our culture and our country, and how they are all interrelated. Showalter's canon is expansive and diverse, and she writes as much about the lesser-known women as much as she does of Dickinson, Cather, Alcott, and the like. In fact, it is her insights on those names not often heard that make the book most fascinating, and some of the best essays are about Susanna Rowson and Julia Ward Howe.Though, as the title implies, the book is focused on writers, Showalter's work touches upon a broad range of subjects: literature, performing arts, political activism, and the mundane tasks of every day life. This is an excellent, powerful, and well-researched source for knowledge and insight on how woman through the ages have lived. It is thought-provoking and will leave you with a long list of books to read and a strong urge to visit the library.But despite being a celebration of women writers, and one would even argue, women's history, perhaps the best part about A Jury of Her Peers is that she illustrates through her many biographies, excerpts, and anecdotes that despite the fact that society views these individuals first as women and not writers, solely being a woman is not what makes these writers or their works so great. Showalter gives the hundreds of women she writes about what many of them searched for but could not accomplish: a voice of their own and the recognition they deserve for playing such an integral role in our history.

I like Showalter's work. Impressive.

The condition of the book was perfect, the delivery was very fast. I can only recommend everybody to shop here!