6 Outstanding Biographies on Women

NONFICTION

Released: Sept. 4, 2012

ON A FARTHER SHORE: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RACHEL CARSON

by William Souder

"A poignant, galvanizing, meaningful tribute."

Fifty years after the publication of Rachel Carson's seminal Silent Spring, Pulitzer Prize nominee Souder (Under a Wild Sky: John James Audubon and the Making of The Birds of America, 2004, etc.) examines the legacy and lasting impact of Carson's passionate environmental work. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: July 17, 2012

SOUNDINGS: THE STORY OF THE REMARKABLE WOMAN WHO MAPPED THE OCEAN FLOOR

by Hali Felt

"A well-researched, engaging account of an important scientific discovery that should also find a place on women's-studies shelves."

A complex, rich biography of a groundbreaking geologist who discovered "a rift valley running down the center of the Atlantic," essentially transforming 20th-century geophysics despite "mid-century American gender bias" and scientific rivalries. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Aug. 15, 2012

DEARIE: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF JULIA CHILD

by Bob Spitz

"An engrossing biography of a woman worthy of iconic status."

Published to coincide with what would have been her 100th birthday, this biography of the iconic Julia Child (1912–2004) does full justice to its complex subject. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: July 17, 2012

MARILYN: THE PASSION AND PARADOX OF MARILYN MONROE

by Lois Banner

"Surely not the last word, but a complete and honest effort and a good starting place."

Fifty years after her death and hundreds of books later, are we any closer to understanding Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)? Probably not, but this new biography brings the known facts up to date and offers a fresh, modern take on the tragic star's life and choices. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Sept. 10, 2012

THE GOOD GIRLS REVOLT: HOW THE WOMEN OF NEWSWEEK SUED THEIR BOSSES AND CHANGED THE WORKPLACE

by Lynn Povich

"Povich's in-depth research, narrative skills and eyewitness observations provide an entertaining and edifying look at a pivotal event in women's history."

Firsthand account of the female Newsweek employees who sued their employer in 1970 for sex discrimination. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: June 19, 2012

MRS. ROBINSON'S DISGRACE: THE PRIVATE DIARY OF A VICTORIAN LADY

by Kate Summerscale

"A revealing portrait of the straight-laced Victorians who produced innumerable sex scandals, delved into new and sometimes bizarre health fads and generally dismissed anyone considered beneath them, like colonials and women."

Not just a scandalous diary, but a portrait of the plight of women in the early Victorian era. Read full book review >

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS

6 Outstanding Biographies on Women