Cokie Roberts Books

Focusing on the transformative impact of the Civil War, the narrative delves into the lives of women in Washington, D.C., highlighting their growing independence and political empowerment. Through thorough research, it honors the crucial roles these women played in both strengthening the city and maintaining connections with their Southern counterparts. The work presents a compelling social history that illustrates how the war reshaped Washington and permanently altered the role of women in American society.

The collection features impactful speeches from pivotal moments in American history, showcasing voices from both powerful leaders and ordinary citizens. Readers can engage with the original texts, which are presented in various formats, highlighting their influence on American culture. Recognized as a Best Book by the Chicago Public Library, this anthology offers insight into the ideas and emotions that have shaped the nation.

Cokie Roberts sheds new light on the generation of heroines, reformers, and visionaries who helped shape our nation with this blend of biographical portraits and behind-the-scenes vignettes chronicling women's public roles and private responsibilities. Drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources--many of them previously unpublished--Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of women who laid the groundwork for a better society. Almost every quotation here is written by a woman, to a woman, or about a woman. From first ladies to freethinkers, educators to explorers, this exceptional group includes Abigail Adams, Margaret Bayard Smith, Martha Jefferson, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Catherine Adams, Eliza Hamilton, Theodosia Burr, Rebecca Gratz, Louisa Livingston, Rosalie Calvert, Sacajawea, and others.--From publisher description.