In Defense of Women

Susanna Haswell Rowson was a pioneer feminist as well as the author of America's first best-selling novel, Charlotte Temple, published in 1794 and since then reprinted in nearly two hundred editions. During her sixteen years as a writer Mrs. Rowson produced seven other novels, seven theatrical works, two collections of poetry and two of fictional sketches, many lyrics for popular songs, contributions to two magazines, and six pedagogical works—all this while directing a school for young women, acting with several theater companies, running a household, and taking a leading role in her church and community.

"A list of Susanna Rowson's achievements suggests a personality unchecked by the traditional constraints of which women complain," Dr. Weil argues in this biography, which also is an introduction to the social and cultural history of the early years of the American Republic. The author defends her subject against attacks upon her as "female chauvinist" by male critics from William Cobbett to Leslie Fiedler. In all her writings and other activities, Mrs. Rowson attempted to create new models for the behavior of young women (or "ladies" in her word), on the implied ground that young men had models enough. Although her prejudices remained Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, and genteel, she was a staunch advocate of democracy, education, and social equality—equality among those, male or female, who cultivate their character by intellect.

The daughter of a Loyalist British naval officer, Susanna Haswell was forced to return to England with her parents during the Revolution. At twenty-six, a self-educated governess, she published her first novel and married a trumpeter in the Horse Guards, William Rowson. At thirty-one, Susanna and William joined the New Theatre in Philadelphia. At thirty-five, having achieved modest success as an actress and playwright—and with a husband who drank—Susanna opened a school for young ladies in Boston. During her twenty-five years as a schoolmistress she wrote six textbooks besides continuing to write fiction, drama, and verse. In addition, Susanna adopted several children, including her husband's natural son, and served as president of the Fatherless and Widow's Society.