Ruth Hall and Other Writings by Fanny Fern (American Women Writers Series) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813511674 ISBN 13: 9780813511672

Publisher: Rutgers University Press, 1986

Synopsis

When Ruth Hall was originally published in 1855, it caused a sensation. In it, Fanny Fern (Sara Payson Willis Parton) portrays a mid-nineteenth-century woman who realizes the American Dream solely on her own becoming the incarnation of the American individualist-regarded at that time as a role designed exclusively for men. Based on the author's life, the novel reflects her spirit of practical feminism-that a woman was only truly independent when she was financially independent.

Fanny Fern was one of the most popular American writers of the mid-nineteenth century, the first woman newspaper columnist in the United States, and the most highly paid newspaper writer of her day. This volume gathers together for the first time almost one hundred selections of her best work as a journalist. Writing on such taboo subjects as prostitution, venereal disease, divorce, and birth control, Fern stripped the façade of convention from some of society's most sacred institutions, targeting cant and hypocrisy, pretentiousness and pomp.

Fern portrays a mid-nineteenth century woman who becomes the incarnartion of the American individualist, something regarded as exclusively for men.

About this title

About the Author:

Joyce W. Warren is an associate professor of English and director of Women's Studies at Queens College of the City University of New York. She is the author of The American Narcissus and Fanny Fern, and editor ofThe (Other) American Traditions and Challenging Boundaries.

Review:

"[This work] is complex, full of quirky ironies and subtle sarcasm, and, above all, it is fun!" -- Belies Lettres

In 1852, Fanny Fern became the first woman regular newspaper columnist in the United States; by 1855 she was the most highly paid newspaper writer in the country, male or female. While she was capable of producing the tear-jerking prose popular in her time, she was most famous for her biting, satirical commentary on everything from the weather to marriage to a woman's right to her own children. Ruth Hall, her first novel, is largely autobiographical and contains scathing portraits of her father, in-laws, and brother (the poet Nathaniel P. Willis) which earned her much criticism for her "unfeminine" attitude. The book concerns a young, happily married woman whose husband dies suddenly, leaving her with two children and no money. Neither set of parents is forthcoming with financial assistance and Ruth is left to fend for herself, which, after much trial, she does admirably, eventually establishing a name for herself as a writer. Hers is a female version of the American Dream, and Fanny Fern is careful to note exactly why that dream is more difficult for women to attain. She is just as careful not to let her heroine's success and security lie in marriage - Ruth succeeds on her own, with her children, usually without the help of men. She is a wonderful character, and Fanny Fern's prose sparkles with a delightful viciousness. Revenge can be sweet, and for Fanny Fern it was highly profitable as well: in its first few years Ruth Hall sold more than 70,000 copies. -- For great reviews of books for girls, check out Let's Hear It for the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14. -- From 500 Great Books by Women; review by Erica Bauermeister

About this edition

• Publisher: Rutgers University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0813511674
• ISBN 13: 9780813511672
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 440
• Editor: Warren Joyce