Fascinating Women

When we examine history, women represent a cadre of fascinating individuals, so why limit our emphasis on women to just March? Many readers are familiar with notable figures such Eleanor Roosevelt or Rosa Parks, but some famous female figures may surprise you. Take a moment to “go on a date” with any of these noteworthy women by reading the following books:

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Fans of the cinematic screen will recognize Hedy Lamarr as a beautiful actress of early film. But some may not also recognize that during WWII, Lamarr helped develop a radio guidance system for torpedoes. Although not adopted by the Navy until the 1960’s, the philosophy of her work has been incorporated into modern technology. Try Hedy's Folly: the life and breakthrough inventions of Hedy Lamarr, the most beautiful woman in the world by Richard Rhodes to read more about Lamarr's multi-faceted talent. Entertainment fans may also enjoy learning about Josephine Baker. Jazz Cleopatra: Josephine Baker in her time. Phyllis Rose details Baker's life as a civil rights activist, French resistance fighter and entertainer. e paragraph describing the book). 

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Artistic women express themselves through many forms. Artist Frida Kahlo has achieved more recognition in recent years due to Julie Taymor’s work with Salma Hayek on the film Frida. But Kahlo is a pioneer for several reasons, the least being her gender. Her use of folklore elements to question culture has made her an emblematic figure for current generations. Frida Kahlo 1907-1954: pain and passion offers a glimpse of the artist’s work, while Frida Kahlo by Hedda Garza dwells more on Kahlo’s life. Also check out Restless Spirit: the life and work of Dorothea Lange by Elizabeth Partridge. This book portrays an important albeit controversial photographer and how her work helped to bring about social reform in America. 

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Many have debated the place of women such as Jane Austen in the western literary canon, but no one can deny the many famous female writers who have commanded the pen. Lovers of literature will be familiar with classic authors such as Louise Erdrich, Toni Morrison, or even J.K. Rowling. But what about Shirley Jackson?  Shirley Jackson: a rather haunted life, by Ruth Franklin – a recent publication – illustrates the life of the author made famous by her short story “The Lottery”.  Demonstrating facets of the American gothic style made popular by Hawthorne and Poe, Jackson often remains absent from discussion of literary greats. 

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Anne Sexton is another writer not as well-known as Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf, but her poetry is remembered for its startling, intimate tone.  Sexton’s life was tragically cut short by mental illness which led subsequently to suicide. There are not many biographies available on the author but reading her poetry allows a candid glimpse into Sexton's life. More importantly,  readers who are interested in the topic of overlooked female writers might find Erin Enders article helpful.  

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Zora Neale Hurston is recognized as an early African-American writer, but this does not discount that the author died in poverty. Other contributions that she made, such as in the fields of anthropology and folklore, have become overshadowed by Hurston’s larger than life persona. Readers who have delved into Dust Tracks on a Road may also enjoy Go Gator and Muddy the Water: writings, a text that covers the writer’s work in the field under the Federal Writer’s project. 

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While Hurston's body of work dwelt on the social aspects of life, Rachel Carson is acknowledged as advancing causes like environmental protection. Silent Spring is largely credited with bringing the issue of conservation to modern consciousness. On a farther shore: the life and legacy of Rachel Carson by William Sounder reveals a sensitive woman who nonetheless went to great lengths to preserve our cultural heritage. 

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By now, many people are probably already familiar with Rebecca Skloot’s extraordinary book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks but it is an issue worth revisiting, as HBO’s production starring Oprah Winfrey will premiere in April.  Both an in-depth portrayal of a family’s history as well as a look into the practices of medicine, Skloot’s text questions the effects of one woman’s previously unknown legacy.  

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As a winner of many prizes, among them the Nobel peace prize, Aung San Suu Kyi’s legacy as a political prisoner and more importantly as a proponent of peace, is unquestioned. As the foreign minister and state counselor of Myanmar, this woman continues to create a trailblazing path for women in politics. Readers can try either The Burma Spring: Aung San Suu Kyi and the new struggle for the soul of a nation by Rena Pederson or Peter Popham’s book, The Lady and the Peacock: the life of Aung San Suu Kyi which probes the leader's life and relationship to political activism. 

History is ever-evolving: while these figures exemplify the plethora of roles that women have donned throughout history  this piece represents just a small scattering of known works about this topic. There are dozens of captivating women who have not had their story told or who remain largely unknown, and it is our job to ensure that their legacy does not remain forgotten. To get started with more information, visit the National Women’s History Project or the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

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