Catherine A. Brekus Books

A colonial woman's riveting personal journal and correspondence opens a window on America's first-generation evangelicals

The book presents a comprehensive history of female preaching in early America, highlighting remarkable figures such as Margaret Meuse Clay, who faced public punishment for her beliefs, and "Old Elizabeth," an ex-slave who bravely preached against slavery. It also features Harriet Livermore, a pioneering woman who addressed Congress multiple times. Through these profiles, the narrative explores the struggles and triumphs of women who defied societal norms to share their messages, offering insight into their significant yet often overlooked contributions to American religious life.