Transcendental Wife

Transcendental Wife tells the story of Abigail May Alcott (1800-1877), a 19th-century wife and mother, who accepted the view that women best served society and moral authority by supporting involved husbands and by nurturing future citizens, the children. Before her marriage she espoused abolition, temperance, and educational reform, and the circumstances of her life with Bronson Alcott led to her eventual advocacy of careers and the vote for women. This book considers her life in the context of her historical era and as a person in her own right.

Transcendental Wife tells the story of Abigail May Alcott (1800-1877), a 19th-century wife and mother, who accepted the view that women best served society and moral authority by supporting involved husbands and by nurturing future citizens, the children.

Joel Myerson - Choice

"Cynthia Barton has presented a well-researched and well-written biography of this fascinating woman, who was the mainstay of her husband Bronson and the inspiration for her daughter Louisa. How good it is to finally see 'Marmee' given life on her own."

Cynthia H. Barton is a writer and educator. She has written several articles for Cobblestone Magazine, and the Orchard House publication, Portfolio. She is also the biographer of the founder of the Fruitlands Museums, Clara Endicott Sears and a regular lecturer at the Bronson Alcott School of Philosophy in Concord, Massaschusetts.