Second to None

This collection in Second to None highlights diverse women's voices and their significant contributions, showcasing their historical impact and everyday struggles.

In Second to None, the voices of women are brought to the forefront, highlighting their diverse experiences and significant contributions throughout history. This collection assembles a wide range of writings that reflect the daily lives of both ordinary and extraordinary women, emphasizing the historical importance of their thoughts and actions. It showcases women who have shaped history and those who have suffered within it, illustrating the complexity of their roles in society.

At the dawn of the twentieth century, women still found themselves questioning their status, asking lawmakers, 'Are women persons?' The rights and treatment of women in various aspects of life were often overlooked by those in power. However, this volume demonstrates that women refused to be silenced. Like the first volume, Second to None presents a multitude of voices, showcasing that there is no single representative American woman but rather a tapestry of women whose stories deserve to be remembered.

This volume features 122 selections, including writings from notable figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Anita Hill. Through diaries, letters, speeches, and more, these women express their thoughts, joys, and struggles, revealing their roles as community builders across different times and places. The collection also emphasizes the importance of gender analysis, showcasing the significance of women's differences in age, race, and other factors alongside their shared experiences.