Heroines of Freethought

New York: Charles P. Somerby, 1876. First edition. 8vo, [v], vii, [4], 12-327 plus [4]pp ads at rear. Publisher's blind and gilt decorated green cloth. Private library plate of W.R. Maines to front pastedown, contemporary ownership signature from an organization in Valley Falls, Kansas, likely a local Freethought society on half title. Boards rubbed and toned around edges, spine darkened. Internally clean and very good.

First edition of this collection of biographical sketches of pioneering women of freethought.  Sara A. Underwood (1838-1911) was a lecturer and writer in the "Golden Age" of the movement in the United States during the (truncated) latter part of the 19th century.  Many local organizations were founded to follow the movement, such as that in Valley Falls, KS.  Underwood was also active in the women's suffrage movement as well as in psychical research and spiritualist circles.    

This humanist work celebrated the successes of women such as Mary Wollstonecraft, George Eliot, Madame Roland, and others who had been outspoken with their daring liberal and radical views.  In highlighting these important figures, Underwood strengthened the case for women's suffrage, strongly challenging the idea that women were unfit for involvement in politics.  She concludes her preface:


"...so I have contented myself with sketching these few central female figures in the history of Radical Religion.  And my only hope in grouping them thus together is to win for them... a little of the admiration and respect which I myself have ever felt for them because of the dignity and moral heroism of their lives."

An important work from a lesser-known figure in the humanist movement of the 19th century.  


. (Inventory #: 6717)