Woman and Temperance — Book Summary & Review
by Ruth Birgitta Anderson Bordin
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Woman and Temperance Summary
Bordin opens with the striking narrative of Frances Willard, a key figure in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, to show how decisively women shaped temperance movements. The book is organized into sections that examine the overlap between women’s rights and temperance, including chapters like “The Political is Personal,” which zeroes in on the personal sacrifices these women made. Bordin meticulously lays out how the WCTU turned temperance into a platform for women to enter public life and push for wider social reform. The historical context is rich, but the book offers no modern strategies for readers looking for current self-help guidance, which will frustrate anyone hoping for practical advice. Bordin’s analysis is thorough and incisive, though the heavy historical focus may leave readers uninterested in earlier reform movements unimpressed.
Key Takeaways from Woman and Temperance
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1
Frances Willard's Leadership: Showcases how one woman's vision propelled the WCTU to the forefront of social reform.
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2
The Home Protection Ballot: Highlights the WCTU's campaign for women's suffrage linked to temperance advocacy.
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3
Personal Sacrifices: Details the personal costs faced by women active in the temperance movement.
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4
Public Speaking Tours: Bordin emphasizes the role of public lectures in spreading temperance and women's rights messages.
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5
Political is Personal: Explores how personal experiences of women were used to advocate for public policy changes.
Who Should Read This
Someone who is passionate about the history of women's rights and social movements, particularly within the temperance context. If you're curious about the impact of the WCTU on public life, this book offers a detailed exploration.
Who Shouldn't Read This
If you are looking for a practical self-help book with modern techniques and strategies, this will disappoint. The historical focus might frustrate those uninterested in past social movements and their implications.
Editor's Verdict
The best part of Bordin's book is her detailed account of Frances Willard's transformative impact on the temperance movement. However, it lacks modern self-help strategies for contemporary readers. Anyone deeply interested in the historical intersections of women's rights and temperance will find this illuminating, especially when reflecting on past activism.
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Woman and Temperance — Frequently Asked Questions
About Ruth Birgitta Anderson Bordin
Ruth Birgitta Anderson Bordin was an American historian and author, known for her work on women's history and social movements. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where she later served as a faculty member. Bordin's expertise in women's studies and history is evident in her book "Woman and Temperance," which examines the role of women in the temperance movement. She also authored "Alice Freeman Palmer: The Evolution of a New Woman" and "Frances Willard: A Biography."
