With the publication of this book, the Reverend Anna Howard Shaw assumes her rightful place in the pantheon of great American orators. Beginning with a brief introduction and a biographical sketch, the book traces Shaw's career and work as a public lecturer. Because of its significance in her later life, Shaw's training and brief tenure as a pastor and the sermons she delivered at suffrage meetings are also considered. The impact of her work as a paid lecturer for temperance and other causes—which led directly to her commitment to work full time for suffrage—her suffrage campaigns, and her work with Susan B. Anthony as a public advocate for suffrage are also scrutinized. Her speeches and appearances before legislative committees are an integral part of the analysis of her role as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Finally, Shaw's public speaking efforts after she resigned as president, including her work for the war effort and the League of Nations, are also analyzed. The second half of the volume includes the full text of speeches referenced.
A collaborative effort, this book is the product of two distinguished scholars in communication. Authors Wil Linkugel and Martha Solomon bring to their analysis of Shaw's oratory a consistency of style and a concentration of substance that belies its joint authorship. Combining sensitivity to the moral, political, and sexist exigencies that Shaw faced with a close criticism of the reverend's civil rhetoric, they detail why Shaw was esteemed by her countrymen. The authors' efforts are a significant addition to the very limited material available on important women orators and will be appreciated by scholars of rhetoric and communication, women's history, and American history.