Enterprising Women: 250 Years of American Business: Virginia G. Drachman
From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-A companion to the museum exhibition of the same name, this book features women who had what it tookto succeed despite the less-than-invitingattitudes of their times. Subjects include Mary Katharine Goddard, publisher of the first signed copy of the Declaration of Independence and owner of a print shop; Madam C. J. Walker, creator of hair-care products; Julia Morgan, architect and designer of Hearst Castle; and Hazel Bishop, creator of “kissable lipstick.” The women’s stories are set within the context of their eras and milieus. The text is liberally illustrated with photographs and document facsimiles. While this title may not provide complete biographical information on any one individual, it complements other sources and is entertaining reading.
Peggy Bercher, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
What might have turned out to be a rather commercial tome, sponsored by corporate heavyweights AT & T and Ford, has become a reference work to consult on the topic of women in business. Drachman, the architect of the project spearheaded by the National Heritage Museum and the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library, does the subject proud. Copious research on little-known trailblazers such as Wall Street’s Hetty Green and iron-manufacturing czar Rebecca Lukens is combined with thoughtful commentary on more modern-day icons such as Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey. Each of the five chapters begins with a visual time line, setting the historical context. Then, in a compelling narrative, themes and trends are woven through a text that focuses on specific women and their accomplishments in detail. Photographs and illustrations add another dimension. There’s Lydia Pinkham, inventor of tonics and other health products, claiming, “A woman best understands a woman’s ills.” And who could forget Katharine Graham’s words when she decided to publish the Pentagon Papers: “Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead. Let’s go.” Inspiring and long overdue. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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