America's Working Women: A Documentary History, 1600 to the Present

_America's Working Women_ is a magnificient and thorough anthology of the female experience in America. I was particularly impressed and pleased that not just European - American women were included, but also Native Americans, immigrants (just off the boat from where-ever), Asian - Americans, African - Americans, Hispanic - Americans ... it is very comprehensive in this regard.Baxandall also covers a wide variety of issues within women working - from colonial indentured servitude, to women in the early industrial revolution, to the rather significant part women played in the creation of labor unions (including an piece on sexism in the work place in the 1970's).As a history teacher, I am frequently frustrated at the relative lack of materials that have the authentic voice of women in history. _America's Working Women_ provides that voice (at long last). While I would imagine the book would be a bit dry for most to read cover to cover, it nonetheless has some remarkable documents detailing the struggle women have had for their place alongside men - first in the work place, and now (finally!) in the history books.

"America's Working Women" should be on a shelf in every woman's home. I am so impressed by the way Baxandall and Gordon use personal stories and wonderful narrative to illustrate the history of women in the labor force. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah I have been constantly bombarded with the myth that my place was in the home and that it wasn't my responsibility to have a career. I was encouraged to abandon my career and take on "traditional" female roles. Deep down I knew otherwise, but I didn't have any evidence to support what I believed."America's Working Women" dispels the myths and imbues the soul with strength. I highly recommend it to anyone.