A brilliant writer and a fiery social critic, Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) was perhaps the most famous American woman of her generation. Outspoken and quick-witted, idealistic and adventurous, she became the leading female figure in the transcendentalist movement, wrote a celebrated column of literary and social commentary for Horace Greeley's newspaper, and served as the first foreign correspondent for an American newspaper. While living in Europe she fell in love with an Italian nobleman, with whom she became pregnant out of wedlock. In 1848 she joined the fight for Italian independence and, the following year, reported on the struggle while nursing the wounded within range of enemy cannons. Amid all these strivings and achievements, she authored the first great work of American feminism: Woman in the Nineteenth Century. Despite her brilliance, however, Fuller suffered from self-doubt and was plagued by ill health. John Matteson captures Fuller's longing to become ever better, reflected by the changing lives she led.

About the Author
John Matteson was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for Eden's Outcasts and the Ann M. Sperber Prize for The Lives of Margaret Fuller. A Distinguished Professor of English at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, he lives in the Bronx.

Reviews
"Matteson's portrait of Fuller, given depth and sheen by a treasure trove of letters, is unfailingly intelligent, nuanced and intriguing." "Well-written... [Readers] will admire her spirit, intellect, and courage." "John Matteson performs a service in producing a ... biography that will introduce this learned, prolific and eccentric American to a wider audience." "[Matteson's] writing seems to derive palpable energy from Fuller's own dynamism... In the end he discovers a Fuller that is startlingly modern in her contradictions and commitments."


Awards
Long-listed for Plutarch Award 2013.



Book Information
ISBN 9780393343595
Author John Matteson
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 28mm