Lives of Girls Who Became Famous

by Sarah Knowles Bolton

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

Genres: Nonfiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

From Wikipedia:

Sarah Knowles Bolton (September 15, 1841 – February 21, 1916) was an American writer. She was born in Farmington, Connecticut. In 1866, she married Charles E. Bolton, a merchant and philanthropist. She wrote extensively for the press, was one of the first corresponding secretaries of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union (N.W.C.T.U.), and was associate editor of the Boston Congregationalist (1878–81). Bolton traveled for two years in Europe, studying profit-sharing, female higher education, and other social questions. Her writings encouraged readers to improve the world about them through faith and hard work.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have the original 1896 edition, prior to an ISBN number being assigned, I still enjoyed the affectations of Bolton's writing style. I skipped around in the biographies rather than reading straight through, but bought it for Louisa May Alcott, with whom I have been fascinated since 3rd grade English class.

[Cecelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short biographies of girls who grew up to be famous. I learned about some women I never heard of prior to this book. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Sarah Rigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positive: This introduced me to a lot of women artists and humanitarians I didn't know much about. Negatives: The writing is TERRIBLY biased and not at all the objective sort of biography modern readers are used to. Additionally, a lot of the more risque material (children out of wedlock, lesbianism) is whitewashed. I would NOT necessarily recommend this book. What I would suggest is taking a look at the list of women profiled and read the Wiki on them or a good, in-depth biography.

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author of Girls Who Became Famous, Sarah Knowles Bolton, has chosen 19 women who embody her opinion that “..the best work of the world is done, not by the loiterers, but by those whose hearts and hands are full of duties.” Furthermore, she states, “The majority in this world will always be mediocre, because they lack high-minded ambition and the willpower to work.” While these sentiments are sound, it is ironic that she has chosen a majority of women who were born into wealthy, educated, and cultured families. This is true of herself as well. Perhaps she should have added, “And it helps to have money and connections.” She does write, “if rich, we can bless the world in thousands of ways, and we are untrue to God and ourselves if we fail to do it.” Ah, that the leaders of today would embody this notion! If another author today were to write a new version of this book, I wonder who would be chosen to inspire young girls. Dolly Parton? Oprah Winfrey? Taylor Swift? Who would you recommend?