Frances Perkins: Champion of the New Deal (Oxford Portraits)

Pasachoff, Naomi

ISBN 10: 0195122224 ISBN 13: 9780195122220

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was the first woman appointed to a U.S. cabinet post and the longest-serving Secretary of Labor. Perkins had a long and illustrious record as a social activist: she reorganized New York state's factory inspections system, advocated the Workmen's Compensation Act, and promoted the legislative protection of women and child laborers. As U.S. Secretary of Labor under Roosevelt she helped develop major New Deal legislation, including the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Always regarded with some hostility by both organized labor and the business community, Perkins survived an attempt to impeach her in 1939. As one of the most distinguished and trailblazing women in the history of American government, Perkins is often studied in American history classes. Moreover, her career touched on issues key to our current debates about government and social policy. This book is richly illustrated with documents and rare photographs.

Oxford Portraits is a new series of biographies for young adults. Written by prominent writers and historians, each of these titles is designed to supplement the core texts of the middle and high school curriculum with intriguing, thoroughly informative and insightful accounts of the lives and work of the notable men and women who helped shape history. Each book is illustrated with numerous graphics, photographs, and documents. A unique feature is the inclusion of sidebars containing primary source material, mostly excerpts from the subject's writings. A chronology, further reading list, and index rounds out every volume.

About this title

About the Author:

Naomi Pasachoff, Research Associate, Williams College.

Review:

"Well-written, thorough, and occasionally humorous. The black-and-white photos of Perkins ... seem to reveal as much as the text does."--The Horn Book Guide

"The writing style is lively and reveals Perkins's personal doubts family concerns, as well as her unique and significant achievements in public service.... Worthy biography."--School Library Journal

"An engrossing biography of the first woman to serve as a U.S. cabinet member."--Reuters

"Frances Perkins was truly a woman ahead of her time, and Pasachoff's interesting work illustrates this adeptly. Perkins's untiring quest and unending commitment to social justice comes through clearly in this well-written biography.... If the other titles in this series are of similar high quality, the series will have fulfilled its purpose. This work is a valuable resource for young history students."--Book Report

"Those who like to read biographies, history, or stories of strong, intelligent women will thoroughly enjoy this book."--Children's Literature

"Pasachoff writes with verve, compassion, high scholarship, and a fine understanding of history."--The Advocate

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0195122224
• ISBN 13: 9780195122220
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160