Second to None

At the start of the 20th century, women questioned their status and rights. This collection highlights diverse voices of women throughout history, showcasing their roles as both influential figures and marginalized individuals. Second to None emphasizes the importance of their experiences and perspectives.

Second to None explores the historical landscape of women's rights and their roles in society at the dawn of the 20th century. At a time when the question, Are women persons? was still posed to lawmakers, the treatment and rights of women were often overlooked by men. However, women were determined to make their voices heard. This collection highlights both the influential women who shaped history and those who faced its challenges. As Anna Julia Cooper, a prominent African American abolitionist, noted, the world needs to hear women's voices, and this volume serves to amplify those voices.

The editors have curated a rich array of writings that reflect the everyday lives of women, both ordinary and extraordinary, showcasing their historical significance. Through diaries, letters, speeches, songs, petitions, essays, photographs, and cartoons, the collection reveals how women have acted as community builders throughout history. It captures their emergence into the public spheres of political, social, and economic life, illustrating the diverse experiences of women across different backgrounds and circumstances.

Volume 1 of Second to None includes 153 selections, beginning with a Navajo origin myth and encompassing the experiences of Native American, Hispanic, African, and Euro-American women from the sixteenth century through the Civil War. Each section is accompanied by introductions that provide historical context and highlight the importance of the selections. This comprehensive collection underscores the value of gender analysis, emphasizing that the differences among women—whether in age, race, class, or background—are as crucial as their shared experiences in the fight for equality.