Books in the Women in American Political History series

This book analyzes newspaper coverage of four pioneering women politicians between the 1870s and 2000s to understand how media discourse of women politicians has and hasn't changed over 150 years. In addition, the book provides historical context of the political, feminist, and journalistic cultures that influenced how reporters covered these women.

This book presents the story of Ruby A. Black, a feminist who broke new ground for women in Washington journalism in the 1920s and 1930s as a correspondent for a Puerto Rican newspaper and the first biographer of Eleanor Roosevelt. It offers access to the secret correspondence that shows how Black used her friendship with Roosevelt to advance the political career of Luis Muoz Marn, Puerto Ricos first elected governor. The book describes Black's effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to become both a well-regarded journalist and a political operative in the nation's capital, a feat particularly difficult for a woman. It contends Black's closeness to Roosevelt proved both a help and a hindrance to Black's stature as a journalist.

This book includes the unknown stories of six important women, including political operatives and journalists, who laid the foundation for improving women's equality during the 1960s and 1970s. While they largely worked behind the scenes, they made a significant impact.

Until the 1970s, Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931)-like so many prominent women in journalism and politics-was a forgotten figure in American culture. This edited volume takes a fresh look at this daring African-American woman who tirelessly advocated for the rights of women, minorities, and members of the working class.

Until the 1970s, Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931)-like so many prominent women in journalism and politics-was a forgotten figure in American culture. This edited volume takes a fresh look at this daring African-American woman who tirelessly advocated for the rights of women, minorities, and members of the working class.

This book explores the campaign history of California's women legislators and the increasingly complex strategies they used in efforts to transcend gender barriers when running for office from 1912 to 1970. Nearly 500 women ran on the primary ballots, re-gendering the political landscape while struggling against a recurring historical amnesia.