A pioneer in the battle to establish birth control as a basic human right and a founder of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Sanger — a nurse who witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of unwanted pregancy — triumphed over arrest, indictment, and exile. Her autobiography is a classic of women's studies. Reprint of Margaret Sanger: An Autobiography, published by W. W. Norton & Company, New York, 1938.
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Woman in the Nineteenth Century by Margaret Fuller This 1845 classic by prototypical feminist discusses the Woman Question, prostitution and slavery, marriage, employment, reform, many other topics. Enormously influential work is today a classic of feminist literature.
The Woman's Bible: A Classic Feminist Perspective by Elizabeth Cady Stanton Book-by-book examination of the Bible by pioneer in women's rights movement places events in their historical context, interprets passages as allegory and fact, and compares them with myths of other cultures.
Woman and Labor by Olive Schreiner This feminist classic represents an eloquent call for the rectification of gender-related inequalities of early 20th century labor practices. Examines social changes engendered by technological progress, advocating expanded roles for women.
Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar by Emily Ruete, Sayyida Prin. of Zanzibar This 19th-century autobiography offers a rare inside look at the society surrounding a sultan's palace. A real-life princess in exile recalls her vanished world of harems, slave trading, and court intrigues.
Twenty Years at Hull-House: With Autobiographical Notes by Jane Addams, Norah Hamilton A refuge for Chicago's poor, Hull-House provided an unprecedented variety of social services. Its founder's inspiring autobiography chronicles the institution's early years and discusses its guiding philosophy of social justice.
Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Delightfully humorous account of a feminist utopia in which 3 male explorers stumble upon an all-female society. An early-20th-century writer's once-unconventional views on male-female behavior, motherhood, individuality, other topics.
