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“I read a little from this book each day as there is so much information packed in here. I had no idea that the first recorded writer in human history was a woman! I am learning so much from this and it is written in a delightfully entertaining way. I am inspired!”
—Varla Ventura, author of Sheroes
“Enter into this fascinating world of women who are desperately in love with books. They are a diverse group of personalities who were at times ignored, banned and reviled by the public for their use of the written word. Becca Anderson offers some intriguing and entertaining profiles of women in the literary scene. They are listed in cool categories which include prolific pens, those whose books were banned, women who wrote from a different spiritual point of view and other interesting facts about women in the field of literature.Did you know that women were responsible for writing the Bible under the ‘guidance’ of Jerome? Are you aware of the prolific amount of prose penned by Barbara Cartland, Margaret Mead and Edith Wharton? These are just a few tidbits of information that will encourage you to read more and, hopefully, be inspired to pick up the pen yourself!”
—Autumn Stephens, author of Wild Words from Wild Women
“This book is a testament to the relationship and contributions of women writers, lest we forget their impact and inspiration. Becca paints portraits of women writers with her energetic and enigmatic words in an accessible and engaging manner. Please join me on this amazing journey through women’s history—I know you will be as inspired by it as I have been.”
—Ntozake Shange, author of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf
“So go on, do some guilt-free indulging in the pages of Becca Anderson’s basket of literary bonbons. She has gathered a wealth of delectable stories in which to immerse ourselves, a bite at a time. Let’s hear it for bibliophiles and book ladies–our richest yet most non-fattening vice.”
—Vicki León, author of the Uppity Women series
The Book of Awesome Women Writers
Medieval Mystics, Pioneering Poets, Fierce Feminists and First Ladies of Literature
from Aphra Behn to Zora Neale Hurston
Becca Anderson
Mango Publishing
Coral Gables
Copyright © 2020 by Becca Anderson.
Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc.
Cover Design: Elina Diaz
Cover Photo/illustration: shutterstock.com
Layout & Design: Elina Diaz
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The Book of Awesome Women Writers: Medieval Mystics, Pioneering Poets, Fierce Feminists and First Ladies of Literature
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication number: 2019944233
ISBN: (print) 978-1-64250-122-3, (ebook) 978-1-64250-123-0
BISAC category code BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women
Printed in the United States of America
This is for Mrs. Evelyn Gammon
my late and great teacher who taught me to read in the first grade and made me believe in myself. I’ll never forget the support and encouragement she gave me to pursue my dreams. I also dedicate this to every teacher, librarian, and volunteer who instills a love of books in their students.
and in memory of Richard J. Chin, my eternal inspiration
Table of Contents
Editor’s Note by Ntozake Shange
Chapter One: First Ladies of Literature—Mothers of Invention
Chapter Two: Ink in Their Veins—Theories of Relativity
Chapter Three: Mystics and Madwomen—Subversive Piety
Chapter Four: Banned, Blacklisted, and Arrested—Daring Dissidents
Chapter Five: Prolific Pens—Indefatigable Ink
Chapter Six: Speculative Sorceresses of Science Fiction—Word-Weavers of Wonder
Chapter Seven: Salonists and Culture Makers—Hermeneutic Circles and Human History
Chapter Eight: Women Whose Books Are Loved Too Much—Adored Authors
Appendix: Book Groups—Chatting It Up
Resource Guide
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
by Ntozake Shange, poet, playwright, and author
Women have shaped and inspired me my whole life, especially
