The first study to focus on white and black women journalists and writers both before and after the Civil War, this book offers fresh insight into Southern intellectual life, the fight for women's rights and gender ideology. Based on new research into Southern magazines and newspapers, this book seeks to shift scholarly attention away from novelists and toward the rich and diverse periodical culture of the South between 1820 and 1900. Magazines were of central importance to the literary culture of the South because the region lacked the publishing centers that could produce large numbers of books. As editors, contributors, correspondents and reporters in the nineteenth century, Southern women entered traditionally male bastions when they embarked on careers in journalism. In so doing, they opened the door to calls for greater political and social equality at the turn of the twentieth century.

'Wells's book is an example of how journalism history should be carried forward - soundly rooted in history and drawing strength from other disciplines.'

Kathleen L. Endres Source: American Journalism

'Wells offers valuable insight on the question of why the South, a region typically associated with conservative ideals, accepted women participating in these traditionally male activities … Wells offers a strongly documented study that informs readers of significant contributions women made to the South’s intellectual life. He illustrates how, by simply writing and publishing journals, newspapers, and magazines, Southern women pushed the boundaries of what many Southerners considered acceptable for women.'

Edward McInnis Source: Ohio Valley History