Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation

In this eye-opening companion volume to her acclaimed history Founding Mothers, number-one New York Times bestselling author and renowned political commentator Cokie Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of women who laid the groundwork for a better society. Recounted with insight and humor, and drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources, many of them previously unpublished, here are the fascinating and inspiring true stories of first ladies and freethinkers, educators and explorers. Featuring an exceptional group of women—including Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Rebecca Gratz, Louise Livingston, Sacagawea, and others—Ladies of Liberty sheds new light on the generation of heroines, reformers, and visionaries who helped shape our nation, finally giving these extraordinary ladies the recognition they so greatly deserve.

I always like listening to Cokie Roberts on NPR. She sounds so level-headed and reasonable. Either Cokie can't write, or her publisher has cut back on copyeditors.

On page 362 is this: "When the Troy Female Seminary opened in September 1821 and attracted young women from around the country, as Emma Willard's plan circulated, even enjoying publication in Europe." Where's the subject? Where's the verb? This is nothing but a string of dependent clauses and a participial phrase. Who can make sense of it?

Within a few pages are the following:

"After a [sic] more than a two month voyage . . ."

"one horse town"

"twenty two"

"seventy-one"

"thirty eight"

"twenty-fourth"

Somebody has absolutely no idea what to do with hyphens, scattering them randomly and missing several.

Page 371: "Politicians could count on seeing each other at the Adams's . . ." Well, no, "the Adamses'" is what's needed here. I wonder who "the Adams" would be? Two guys named Adam living together?

I gave this two stars only because I like Cokie.

Cokie Roberts includes many interesting facts about important women in the early days of our democracy and you will like it if you want to hear about etiquette, fashion, the growth of women's ideas and influence, but you'd better really like to read history since it tells all about the leaders and wars of 1812-1815, everything they thought, did, and had for breakfast.

If you're into history, or really, the history of Colonial American women..this book is for you. Very informative.

The importance of this work lies in its filling in pieces of the puzzle. We see our Founding Folks as human beings, of great ability, and as impressive patriots. The wives and women of our Founding Fathers (and associates) were there for every step of the waltz of history, often pregnant, and with the medical technology of the late 1700s.

i absoulutely loved this book. it is written as a historical picture of the revolutionary era told through the letters of women who lived and helped mold the history of the time. excellent job done with telling a very fascinating story. i highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history.