Amazons and Military Maids: Women Who Dressed As Men in Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness

by Julie Wheelwright

Drawing on memoirs, letters and diaries, this original and compelling work exposes the hidden history of women who chose to live, work and love as men. it reveals for the first time a long, popular tradition in Western culture, tracing these fascinating heroines from the height of their popularity in the 1700s to their re-emergence as a nation's pride and joy during the First World War. Julie Wheelwright uncovers vibrant tales of adventure as women embark on a grand adventure, search for a lost lover or simply escape the dull confines of domestic life. In this new fully updated edition, she skilfully unravels their intriguing stories to show the price these women paid for their freedom and how changing concepts of masculinity and femininity still marshall our behaviour today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, LGBT, Gender, Queer

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Stacy]

This was originally a master's thesis and retains some of that repetitive, academic tone. This is not biography but general history backed up with specific examples; it was sometimes difficult to follow, as the author assumes a familiarity with the women she's referencing and their experiences. I would have preferred a biographical approach, or at least I should have read the short personal overviews at the back of the book first, so I'd know who these ladies were!

That said, it's a fascinating topic and the book contains a lot of great stories and tidbits, so it was worth reading despite the difficult structure.

[Amy]

After posting my thoughts to Facebook about the movie Albert Nobbs, a Bookcrossing friend of mine mentioned that she'd read this book. I found it to be exactly as she warned: a bit dry and scholarly. The fact that the book began as Wheelwright's dissertation was a fair warning, however, that the reading would be a bit like studying. Still, I found the subject interesting and much of the content fascinating.

[Michaele]

I don't know if I liked this book so much because it was good or because it is on a topic that I have been very curious about for a long time- either way I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

[Pancha]

A bit academic in the writing style, and the physical book smells bad (cigarettes and something else) so I abandoned the effort.

[Katrina Sauvé]

found it jarring to be moved from one woman's story to another every couple paragraphs/pages

[Hannah]

Interesting subject, but the writing style was too academic.