Pen-portraits of literary women : $b by themselves and others, Volume 2 (of 2)

"Pen-portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 2" edited by Helen Gray Cone and Jeannette L. Gilder is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. This compilation presents the lives and thoughts of prominent female writers of the time, such as Harriet Martineau, Aurore Dupin (George Sand), Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and George Eliot, revealing their struggles, contributions, and the societal expectations that shaped their writing. At the start of the volume, readers are introduced to the life of Harriet Martineau, reflecting on her challenging upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and significant literary accomplishments despite her deafness and financial hardships. The opening portion delves into Martineau's early life, highlighting the various educational experiences that shaped her, her initial forays into writing, and the significant influence of her family dynamics on her career path. It lays a foundation for understanding how her determination and literary contributions would eventually lead her to become an influential figure in literature and social thought.