This history of professional women in positions of administrative responsibility illuminates women's changing relationship to the public sphere in France since the Revolution of 1789. Linda L. Clark traces several generations of French women in public administration, examining public policy, politics and attitudes, and women's work and education. Women's own perceptions illustrate the changing gender roles and relationship to the state. This study gives unique insights into French history and the history of women, and will interest scholars of European history and specialists in women's studies.