with an introduction by Bonnie Hurd Smith
Using the pen name "Constantia," Judith Sargent Murray published these three extraordinary essays early in her literary career. Through her published writing -- in the days before women were allowed to have a public voice -- Judith Sargent Murray played a significant role in forming a new era for women, one that included quality education, economic control, and respect as the equals of men.
"Desultory Thoughts Upon the Utility of Encouraging a Degree of Complacency, especially in Female Bosoms" which appeared in the Gentleman and Lady's Town and Country Magazine in 1784, was Judith's first essay. In her work, she called on parents to raise their daughters with "self-reverence" -- to instill in them a sense of their self-worth that would help them make better decisions later in life. She further admonished parents to value their daughters as much as their sons.
"On the Equality of the Sexes" was published in two parts in the Massachusetts Magazine in March and April 1790. In her essay, Judith Sargent Murray argued forcefully that women's minds were every bit as capable as men's -- that lack of education was the reason for women's supposed intellectual shortcomings.
The Massachusetts Magazine featured "On the Domestic Education of Children" in May 1790. In this essay, Murray discussed the best way to discipline and encourage children -- by example, not corporal punishment, which was the current practice. In fact, throughout her life, Judith Sargent Murray was consistently against violence: corporal punishment, duelling, and war.
Bonnie Hurd Smith's introduction to this monograph contains images from the three essays, as well as from Judith Sargent Murray's life.
Soft cover monograph, 34 pages, 17 images. $12.00 includes shipping.