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Cover of THE IMPROBABLE VICTORIA WOODHULL
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THE IMPROBABLE VICTORIA WOODHULL

by women. Other firsts followed: Victoria was the first woman to testify before Congress, on the matter of women’s suffrage, and, in 1872, the first to run for president. She touted her causes—suffrage and free love—in a newspaper column, “The Petticoat Politician,” and a weekly newspaper she and her sister published. Early admirers included Walt Whitman, Susan B. Anthony, and newspaperman Horace Greeley. But Victoria’s notoriety and arrogance undid her: She “hunted trouble and didn’t care where her foot landed,” Collinsworth notes succinctly. Anthony Comstock had her arrested twice. Mired in scandal, in 1877, she sailed for England, where, with stubborn determination, she reinvented herself."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:304
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780385549

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This compelling biography brings to life the extraordinary story of Victoria Woodhull, America's first female presidential candidate, whose radical ideas about women's rights and financial independen...

Our Review

This compelling biography brings to life the extraordinary story of Victoria Woodhull, America's first female presidential candidate, whose radical ideas about women's rights and financial independence challenged 19th-century conventions. Through vivid storytelling, readers witness Woodhull's journey from poverty-stricken spiritualist to Wall Street's first female broker and political trailblazer. The narrative captures both her public battles for suffrage and her personal struggles against societal scorn, making complex historical contexts accessible and engaging for young audiences. This portrait of a woman decades ahead of her time offers a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent Reconstruction era through the eyes of one of its most controversial figures.

What makes this historical account particularly compelling is how it balances Woodhull's groundbreaking achievements with her human flaws and controversies, presenting a multidimensional figure rather than a sanitized heroine. Teen readers will connect with Woodhull's determination to defy limitations and her unwavering belief in her own capabilities, despite overwhelming opposition. The book skillfully navigates topics of gender equality, financial literacy, and political activism with relevance to contemporary discussions. Young history enthusiasts and budding feminists alike will find inspiration in this meticulously researched story of a woman who dared to imagine a different future.

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