Pen-Portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 1 (of 2)

''Pen-Portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 1'' edited by Helen Gray Cone and Jeannette L. Gilder is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The work seeks to highlight the lives and contributions of notable literary women, focusing on their personal traits, accomplishments, and the societal contexts in which they lived. It aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these women's significance in the literary landscape. The opening of the volume presents an introduction to the first featured author, Hannah More, detailing her early life, education, and the impact of her family background. It describes her successful career as both a writer and educator, her philanthropic efforts, and notable relationships with contemporaries like Dr. Johnson. Sexual and societal expectations are explored in relation to her work, and her struggles with health and personal loss are recounted, reflecting a mix of admiration and a modern perspective on her relevance and influence as a woman in literature. The beginning sets the tone for a rich exploration of women's literary contributions, supported by historical context and personal anecdotes.