Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary
The publication of the first volumes of Notable American Women in 1971 was a watershed event in women’s history. By uncovering and documenting the enormous contributions that women had made—previously overlooked or underappreciated—this important reference work changed the way historians thought and wrote about American history. For each subject, Notable American Women offers a substantial interpretive biographical essay by a distinguished authority that integrates the woman’s personal life with her professional achievements set in the context of larger historical developments.
Below is a list of in-print works in this collection, presented in series order or publication order as applicable.
Sort by title, author, format, publication date, or price »| 1. |  | Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary, Volumes 1-3: 1607-1950 This superb biographical dictionary covers the lives of exceptional women throughout three and a half centuries of American history. Here are artists, lawyers, reformers, educators, entrepreneurs, physicists, writers, pioneers, presidents’ ladies, film stars. Here are those known for their deeds and those famed for their looks—the genteel and the disreputable, the highborn and slave-born. Here are the famous in all areas of endeavor. Here also are many names rescued from obscurity. |
| 4. |  | Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary, Volume 4: The Modern Period The life stories of 442 American women who have in some way affected contemporary American life are explored in this lauded companion to Notable American Women: 1607–1950. The basics—the crucial dates, ancestry, parents, education, marital status, and children—provide invaluable material for both the researcher and the general reader. Beyond these essentials, a brief essay focuses on each woman’s life and personality, and evaluates her career from a historical framework. Sixteen new pages of photographs specially selected for the paperback edition have been included. |
| 5. |  | Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary, Volume 5: Completing the Twentieth Century This latest volume brings the project up to date, with entries on almost 500 women whose death dates fall between 1976 and 1999. You will find here stars of the golden ages of radio, film, dance, and television; scientists and scholars; civil rights activists and religious leaders; Native American craftspeople and world-renowned artists. For each subject, the volume offers a biographical essay by a distinguished authority that integrates the woman’s personal life with her professional achievements set in the context of larger historical developments. |
