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Aunt Jane's Nieces #4
Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work
Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work is a 1909 young adult novel, written by L. Frank Baum, famous as the creator of the Land of Oz. It is the fourth volume in the ten-book series Aunt Jane's Nieces, which was the greatest success of Baum's literary career after the Oz books themselves. Like the other books in the series, it was issued under the pen name "Edith Van Dyne," one of Baum's multiple pseudonyms.
The novel carries forward the continuing story of the three cousins Louise Merrick, Beth De Graf, and Patsy Doyle, and their circle. The title is somewhat misleading; it could more accurately have been called Aunt Jane's Nieces in Politics. (Uncle John Merrick tells his nieces that politics is "work," which yields the title.)
Odin’s Library Classics is dedicated to bringing the world the best of humankind’s literature from throughout the ages. Carefully selected, each work is unabridged from classic works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama.
The novel carries forward the continuing story of the three cousins Louise Merrick, Beth De Graf, and Patsy Doyle, and their circle. The title is somewhat misleading; it could more accurately have been called Aunt Jane's Nieces in Politics. (Uncle John Merrick tells his nieces that politics is "work," which yields the title.)
Odin’s Library Classics is dedicated to bringing the world the best of humankind’s literature from throughout the ages. Carefully selected, each work is unabridged from classic works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama.
86 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2017
About the author
Edith Van Dyne
103 books12 followersPen name for L. Frank Baum and Emma Speed Sampson
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 26, 2012
Probably my favorite of the series - love this one because it is filled with Baum's very outspoken women's suffrage advocacy.
April 20, 2011
The 1909 novel Aunt Jane's Nieces at WorkAunt Jane's Nieces series. The three young women, Louise Merrick, Beth De Graf, and Patsy Doyle, met in the first volume of the series on the estate of their Aunt Jane, who was dying and trying to decide which niece would receive her inheritance.
In this fourth book of the series Kenneth Forbes, the young man who inherited Aunt Jane's estate, is now running for the state legislature, in what he thinks will be an easy election against a corrupt politician. He is the richest man in this poor district but inexperienced in the ways of the world. When he starts to have a rough time, and it looks like all hope is gone, his three cousins decide to go to work for his election They show up with their rich Uncle John and, even though women can't vote in 1909, they organize an effective campaign. This is an interesting story that describes the type of political maneuvering of 100 years ago. Baum's mother-in-law was the famous women's rights activist Matilda Joslyn Gage, and I feel she would have been proud of her son-in-law's characterization of these three young political women.
In this fourth book of the series Kenneth Forbes, the young man who inherited Aunt Jane's estate, is now running for the state legislature, in what he thinks will be an easy election against a corrupt politician. He is the richest man in this poor district but inexperienced in the ways of the world. When he starts to have a rough time, and it looks like all hope is gone, his three cousins decide to go to work for his election They show up with their rich Uncle John and, even though women can't vote in 1909, they organize an effective campaign. This is an interesting story that describes the type of political maneuvering of 100 years ago. Baum's mother-in-law was the famous women's rights activist Matilda Joslyn Gage, and I feel she would have been proud of her son-in-law's characterization of these three young political women.
February 22, 2018
There is a mystery in this book as the nieces get involved in the political process. Lots of information about old time politics and how the girls get involved. Of course they can't vote yet.
August 18, 2017
In this fourth book in the series, Kenneth is getting involved in politics and is sadly losing the election to become a State Representative. The three nieces decide to help him in his campaign, and they fight against dirty politicians, ignorant country voters, and shady political dealings that threaten to overwhelm the campaign. Along the way, they befriend the country people, and help a farmer to find his missing daughter.
I get bored with politics, so I didn't especially enjoy the plot, but I liked how the mysteries were surprising and interesting. I loved how the girls help Kenneth to set up a rally that throws their opponent's arguments out the door, how they discover the underhanded political deals, and they aid in solving the mystery of the missing farmer's daughter.
There is some sexism in this book, but it would have been considered very progressive for its time. At the time, women could not vote in the USA, and it was frowned upon to have women involved in politics in any way. There is a lot of anxiety that the nieces will expose themselves to ridicule, but they plow ahead anyway, forming a political women's society, and canvassing around the neighborhoods to talk to wives about how their husbands should vote.
There are several instances where the men say something about how "a woman should know her place", but the nieces just go skipping along with their plans, and prove that they are more clever and formidable than they are ever given credit for. The brilliant Kenneth naturally realizes that he would be nowhere without the efforts of the girls on his behalf, and he praises and thanks them for their capable management of his campaign.
As always, I like the fresh and simple writing style, and of course, I am delighted with the sweet characters.
I get bored with politics, so I didn't especially enjoy the plot, but I liked how the mysteries were surprising and interesting. I loved how the girls help Kenneth to set up a rally that throws their opponent's arguments out the door, how they discover the underhanded political deals, and they aid in solving the mystery of the missing farmer's daughter.
There is some sexism in this book, but it would have been considered very progressive for its time. At the time, women could not vote in the USA, and it was frowned upon to have women involved in politics in any way. There is a lot of anxiety that the nieces will expose themselves to ridicule, but they plow ahead anyway, forming a political women's society, and canvassing around the neighborhoods to talk to wives about how their husbands should vote.
There are several instances where the men say something about how "a woman should know her place", but the nieces just go skipping along with their plans, and prove that they are more clever and formidable than they are ever given credit for. The brilliant Kenneth naturally realizes that he would be nowhere without the efforts of the girls on his behalf, and he praises and thanks them for their capable management of his campaign.
As always, I like the fresh and simple writing style, and of course, I am delighted with the sweet characters.
October 5, 2019
This was brilliant, one of the best of Aunt Jane’s nieces so far.
The girls go to their friend Ken’s aid as he steps into politics. He has discovered that the farmers in his area have been tricked into allowing their barns and fences to be used for advertising. But the worst part is that beauty spots are being spoiled by rocks being painted in the same way. Unfortunately, the people don’t realise how cluttered their homes have become. They don’t worries about it. When Ken steps into the race to represent his area, he comes across the current incumbent, who is not prepared to let the younger man get anywhere with his efforts. Especially since it would mean giving up the privileges and the benefits to himself.
So Ken becomes discouraged.. But he writes to two of the girls. The gathering that results, including Uncle John, soon resolves to go out to Ken’s home and to take on the management of his campaign.
They use some very clever tactics. The first of which means Ken begins to know his neighbours and tenants needs and cares. They begin to realise he is not a sulky lad who has too much money.
Uncle John steps in with his business acumen, resulting in paying the sign painters to repaint these fences and barns -refreshening the while- covering the signs. Those companies who ran the business from their distant cities somehow found themselves under new ownership. Each girl used her particular ability to befriend and convince and to publicise the issues Ken was concerned for on their behalf, not his own..
As you can imagine, it was a lively time with various issues to overcome in a place where traditional politics continued without much concern for what would be good for the people.
The readers were great. The one gentleman was just right for this sort of story, especially as it involved a lot of farmers and village shop keepers discussing politics ( women not having been given the vote at that point).
The girls go to their friend Ken’s aid as he steps into politics. He has discovered that the farmers in his area have been tricked into allowing their barns and fences to be used for advertising. But the worst part is that beauty spots are being spoiled by rocks being painted in the same way. Unfortunately, the people don’t realise how cluttered their homes have become. They don’t worries about it. When Ken steps into the race to represent his area, he comes across the current incumbent, who is not prepared to let the younger man get anywhere with his efforts. Especially since it would mean giving up the privileges and the benefits to himself.
So Ken becomes discouraged.. But he writes to two of the girls. The gathering that results, including Uncle John, soon resolves to go out to Ken’s home and to take on the management of his campaign.
They use some very clever tactics. The first of which means Ken begins to know his neighbours and tenants needs and cares. They begin to realise he is not a sulky lad who has too much money.
Uncle John steps in with his business acumen, resulting in paying the sign painters to repaint these fences and barns -refreshening the while- covering the signs. Those companies who ran the business from their distant cities somehow found themselves under new ownership. Each girl used her particular ability to befriend and convince and to publicise the issues Ken was concerned for on their behalf, not his own..
As you can imagine, it was a lively time with various issues to overcome in a place where traditional politics continued without much concern for what would be good for the people.
The readers were great. The one gentleman was just right for this sort of story, especially as it involved a lot of farmers and village shop keepers discussing politics ( women not having been given the vote at that point).
March 27, 2009
Pleasant but not memorable.
October 18, 2012
Another interesting story.
June 24, 2013
Great fun for anyone interested in politics at the turn of the century.
May 1, 2023
3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews
Summary
Kenneth, more by chance than design, decides to run for state Representative, and his three cousins and uncle come in to help him win the election.
Review
“At work” in the title of this book needs a liberal interpretation (so to speak). Aunt Jane’s nieces don’t work. In this book, they’re willing to, but they’re not scrubbing floors. Instead, Baum uses the book to make his argument for young women to think politically and to be involved in politics as they’re able. It’s an odd mix of elements, because, while offering a broadly progressive outlook, he also suggests that the nieces’ cousin Kenneth is the appropriate person to be elected to office because he’s the largest landholder.
Kenneth, of course, is virtuous and honest, if a bit selfish, and of course the women do work hard to help him out. But Baum, presumably thinking a book about politics would excite few readers, throws in a mystery for free – much as in the previous book. Baum is cynical about politicians, but idealistic about politics and public service, and it’s not a bad lesson overall. It is undercut, however, by the fact that – again, as in previous books – good wins over evil because good has boatloads of money to throw around. Baum also takes some liberties with how the law works, presumably for ease of description.
On the whole, a pleasant, harmless read and a worthy lesson, if a bit simplistic.
Summary
Kenneth, more by chance than design, decides to run for state Representative, and his three cousins and uncle come in to help him win the election.
Review
“At work” in the title of this book needs a liberal interpretation (so to speak). Aunt Jane’s nieces don’t work. In this book, they’re willing to, but they’re not scrubbing floors. Instead, Baum uses the book to make his argument for young women to think politically and to be involved in politics as they’re able. It’s an odd mix of elements, because, while offering a broadly progressive outlook, he also suggests that the nieces’ cousin Kenneth is the appropriate person to be elected to office because he’s the largest landholder.
Kenneth, of course, is virtuous and honest, if a bit selfish, and of course the women do work hard to help him out. But Baum, presumably thinking a book about politics would excite few readers, throws in a mystery for free – much as in the previous book. Baum is cynical about politicians, but idealistic about politics and public service, and it’s not a bad lesson overall. It is undercut, however, by the fact that – again, as in previous books – good wins over evil because good has boatloads of money to throw around. Baum also takes some liberties with how the law works, presumably for ease of description.
On the whole, a pleasant, harmless read and a worthy lesson, if a bit simplistic.
January 24, 2026
Posthumous kudos to Baum for addressing mental illness in these books for adolescent girls! A character in whom he already has invested us becomes psychotic in this book, and in Aunt Jane’s Nieces and Uncle John, there is a parallel treatment of depression and suicidality. With the author as a guide we approach close to the troubled characters with no fear of them, with no turning away from the dire reality of their troubles, and with gentleness. These are feel-good stories and the nearly miraculous recoveries are predictable, but he also cautions that such a favorable outcome is in no way certain. That Baum wrote this when people with mental illnesses not infrequency were confined under questionable circumstances, and in general often misunderstood and treated poorly makes his sympathetic descriptions all the more valuable.
... and a couple favorite quotations:
"’What are you 'fraid of? I've got the other clerks all fixed, and they'll stand by us. All you need do is to add these sixty-six names to the registration list, and then we'll vote 'em without opposition and win out.... I simply _must_ have those votes, Doc,’" – Erastus Hopkins
“’Every good American should take an interest in politics’” – Uncle John
... and a couple favorite quotations:
"’What are you 'fraid of? I've got the other clerks all fixed, and they'll stand by us. All you need do is to add these sixty-six names to the registration list, and then we'll vote 'em without opposition and win out.... I simply _must_ have those votes, Doc,’" – Erastus Hopkins
“’Every good American should take an interest in politics’” – Uncle John
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews