Highlighting an “elegant and useful publication for the fair sex” and a “polite repository of amusem

Highlighting an “elegant and useful publication for the fair sex” and a “polite repository of amusement and instruction” may seem like an odd way to celebrate Women’s History Month.These words appear on the cover of one of the first “women’s” magazines—the Lady’s Monthly Museum v.1—first published in England in 1798. This was an era when female worth was generally measured by stereotypical feminine qualities that we largely reject now—deference, obedience, good behavior. But although the magazine carried pieces on modesty and piety, along with sentimental stories, it also featured regular reviews of literature written by women, serious articles on female education and profiles of prominent women in politics and the arts.Although started by a traditional male publishing firm, most of the content was written by women, for women. Many of the contributors began as readers and were inspired by other female authors to create their own content. In this way the polite publication for ladies evolved into a kind of virtual community.Publications like the Lady’s Monthly Museum proliferated over the course of the nineteenth century. This was partly due to better technology and ease of production, but rising literacy rates among women and improved education were significant factors. Publishers needed to make money and a literate female audience was the key to success.Lady’s Monthly began in Britain. Across the pond, Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential American writer, became the editor of one of the most successful early women’s magazines in the United States—the Ladies’ Magazine founded in 1828. In 1836 the Ladies’ Magazine merged with Godey’s Lady’s Book. As editor, Hale promoted education for women and did not condescend to her readers. She mixed fashion plates with serious feature articles. She treated traditionally female topics such as housekeeping, sewing, music and marriage seriously and without sentimentality. It was a true and vibrant female space in an era when women’s voices in the public realm were rare.Fashion is many things—fun, frivolous, feminist, or not. Scholars of women’s history should not be put off by the extravagant hats and odd accessories found in these pages. Fashion has always been a reflection of women’s status in society and a vehicle for female voices and female expression. Serious study of these rare early publications reflects that.The Brooklyn Museum Libraries and Archives has original editions of many of these early publications including: Lady’s Monthly Museum; Godey’s Lady’s Book.; The Lady’s friend and Journal des dames et des modes.Posted by Roberta Munoz  -- source link
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