The First Woman in the Republic

"A monumental scholarly achievement."—Joan Hedrick, author of Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life
"The definitive biography of a major figure in American literary and political history.—Richard Slotkin, author of Gunfighter Nation
"This is a magnificent book. Child’s character emerges as a model for what a woman can be."—Jane Tompkins, author of West of Everything
“Child’s was a ‘household name’ during her lifetime, Carolyn Karcher writes, . . . yet since then her works and influence have been all but ‘erased from history.’ Ms. Karcher hopes to restore that reputation and to familiarize the modern reader with Child’s writings through a literary biography based on ‘extensive quotation and detailed literary analysis.’ Ms. Karcher’s goal is an admirable one; Child’s importance and influence should be reasserted.” * New York Times Book Review *
“Karcher convincingly argues that Child deserves recognition as one of the handful of leading women intellectuals of her day: indeed, of leading intellectuals of either sex.” * London Review of Books *
“Karcher details Child’s life in a thoroughly researched manner that emphasizes Child’s own writings.” * Library Journal *
“Karcher has prodigiously researched nineteenth-century life in America to place her subject in historical context for this definitive biography.” * Publishers Weekly *
“Karcher’s biography of Child is a monumentally thorough scholarly work.” * Women's Review of Books *
“Lydia Maria Child’s rich and expansive life has finally been accorded the voluminous treatment it deserves.” * American Historical Review *
“This valuable portrait of a complex and talented woman may be most notable for indicating the extent to which she was of—rather than ahead of—her time.” * Kirkus Reviews *