"Remarkable Women Of The Twentieth Century: 100 Portraits of Achievement"

[SEPT. 13, 2000]   Remarkable Women Of The Twentieth Century: 100 Portraits Of Achievement." Kristen Golden and Barbara Findlen, Friedman/Fairfax Publishers, 1998, 176 pages.

More than any other time in history, the 20th century has witnessed the emergence of women as a force for societal and cultural change. In their book "Remarkable Women Of The Twentieth Century," authors Kristen Golden and Barbara Findlen chose 100 of the most important women and have chronicled their many achievements and contributions. In the introduction the authors write that "in the major events of the twentieth century, as well as in everyday life, the contributions of women are profound — and too often unsung." The selection of these women is by the authors’ own admission neither exhaustive nor exclusive. It is, however, a representation of the unprecedented contributions of women and their influence on our world.

 

The book is divided into eight chapters; each chapter represents a particular theme that reflects the remarkable lives the women lived.

"Amazing Grace" illustrates the qualities rarely found in a person: dignity, style and creativity. Writer Helen Keller, artist Georgia O’Keeffe and singer Joni Mitchell are cited as examples. Among the most poignant is the biographical sketch on singer Marian Anderson. In 1939 Anderson sang to the country on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she was refused permission to perform in Washington, D.C.’s Constitution Hall.

"Pioneering Spirit" and "Courage of Her Convictions" define the courage and vision that women have exhibited in the face of public ridicule and scorn. Women such as Marie Curie and Margaret Mead (scientists), Shirley Chisholm and Geraldine Ferraro (politicians), and Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer (civil rights activists) exemplify this spirit. One pioneer of local interest is Illinois’ own Jane Addams. Although she is primarily known for her founding of Hull House (one of the country’s first settlement houses), Addams was also known for her work in women’s suffrage and the American Civil Liberties Union, and she was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Bright Ideas" and "One of a Kind" represent women who are the "true originals" — whose style and personality led to a single vision or concept that altered the course of history. Women whose individuality served as a force for change include computer scientist Grace Hopper, girls’ advocate Juliette Gordon Low and television pioneer Joan Ganz Cooney. Among the most interesting of these individuals is anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar. Apgar, the first woman to head a department at the prestigious Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, is best known for developing the Apgar Score. This evaluation measures the pulse, respiration, muscle tone, color and reflexes of newly born babies. As a result of this test, newborns and their health are instantly assessed to determine whether they need further medical attention.

 

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"To Tell the Truth" recognizes women whose beliefs were unwavered in the face of skepticism or opposition. Environmentalist Rachel Carson, poets Maya Angelou, Gabriela Mistral and Audre Lorde, and journalist Helen Thomas — here are the stories of women whose lives, according to the authors, "remind us that telling the simple truth is a compelling act of courage." Documentary photographer Dorothea Lange created some of the most emotionally moving images of the Great Depression with her 1939 book, "An American Exodus: A Record of Human Erosion." The authors write of Lange, "Her legacy of pictures that speak volumes about the human experience raised the consciousness of a nation."

The concluding chapters, "Power Brokers" and "Lasting Legacy," explore the themes of power, influence, drive and determination in some of the most important figures of the century. These spirited individuals include publisher Katharine Graham, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and actress Mary Pickford. Pickford is included as a power broker because of her self-transformation into the most powerful woman in Hollywood (by forming United Artists studios with fellow actors Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks).

The most eclectic group is the one that left a memorable and lasting impression on the world. Dancer Martha Graham, educator Mary McLeod Bethune and activist Gloria Steinem represent women who "have an instinctive gift for touching people’s lives in ways that transcend their times and circumstances." Perhaps the most interesting biography in this section is on the working woman Rosie the Riverter. Called "the icon of women" by the authors, Rosie was a fictitious World War II female personality based on "millions who became lumber and steel workers, electricians, welders, mechanics, scientists, police officers, and bus drivers to replace the millions of men who were mobilized for military service."

 

"Remarkable Women Of The Twentieth Century" is an outstanding compilation extolling the achievements of some of history’s greatest women. The writing is crisp and contains a personal element that draws the reader closer to the compelling stories of these gifted and talented personalities. The numerous photographs of the subjects profiled add to the learning experience. Golden and Findlen have done an admirable job of selecting an esteemed group and documenting their lives and their impact. The inclusion of a selected bibliography and index completes this enjoyable reading experience. This book is highly recommended for readers both young and old.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call 217-732-8878.

 

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

Lincoln Ag Center
1441 State Route 10 East
Lincoln, IL
217-732-7948

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