MORNING STAR: A Biography of Lucy Stone, 1818-1893

by Elinor Rice Hays ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 13, 1961

As has often been true in the past, historical accounts may be distorted to favor one faction or another, when further research shows a different picture. Extreme one-sidedness alters and often omits facts concerning the many revolutionary movements and ideas involved in our nation's development. Lucy Stone was a personage of the utmost importance in the Woman Suffrage movement, to whom history has been most unjust, according to the author's extensive research. Susan Anthony is credited with higher honors, having written the history of Woman Suffrage herself, against the wishes of Lucy Stone, who felt that history was best handled in retrospect by a historian. We see in this account how these two highly individual, intelligent, independent and persuasive women were for the most part in opposite camps. While Susan came to lead her association from temperance beginnings, Lucy led hers from a background in the anti-slavery movement. While Susan disapproved of her associates' marrying, Lucy felt that the nation's strength rested on firm family units. The differences are numerous, all pointing to the fact that Susan Anthony acted in self-interest, while Lucy Stone acted in genuine devotion to a cause based on principles more universal in nature, and far more reasonable. This viewpoint is valuable in balancing the rather ridiculous accounts, however true, of the W.C.T.U., Suffragist and Abolitionist movements as we used to know them.

Pub Date: Sept. 13, 1961

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1961

Categories: NONFICTION