These Sad But Glorious Days

This collection of letters reveals Margaret Fuller's experiences during revolutionary Europe, showcasing her insights and activism. These Sad But Glorious Days captures a pivotal moment in history.

In These Sad But Glorious Days, readers are introduced to Margaret Fuller, a pioneering journalist and radical feminist who made significant contributions to political discourse in the mid-19th century. Traveling through Europe from 1846 to 1850 as a foreign correspondent for the New York Tribune, Fuller documented her experiences in England, France, and Italy. Initially presenting her observations as travel sketches, her letters soon transformed into poignant narratives reflecting the revolutionary fervor sweeping across the continent during this tumultuous period in history. For the first time, these compelling dispatches are made available in their entirety, allowing readers to engage deeply with Fuller's remarkable journey.

Fuller's encounters with key political figures and revolutionaries are vividly captured in her letters. She aligned herself with the republican cause and witnessed firsthand the events that shaped modern Europe. From her vantage point in Rome, she observed the dramatic attack on the Quirinal Palace in November 1848, which led to the Pope's escape and the establishment of the Roman Republic, a movement championed by her friend Giuseppe Mazzini. The letters also recount the harrowing siege of Rome in June 1849, during which Fuller, alongside her lover Giovanni Ossoli, faced the bombardment by French forces determined to restore papal authority.

Edited and annotated by Larry J. Reynolds and Susan Belasco Smith, These Sad But Glorious Days includes a comprehensive introduction that situates Fuller's letters within their historical and professional context. This collection not only highlights her role as a witness to history but also emphasizes her commitment to social justice and the revolutionary ideals of her time.