Model Women of the Press: Gender, Politics and Women’s Professional Journalism, 1850–1880

This book explores the rise of 'model women of the press' in mid-nineteenth-century England, who broke the codes of anonymity and presented themselves as upholders of professional journalistic practice. It demonstrates how a wide range of women writers, including leading Victorian feminists and female reformers, contributed to the professionalization of womens authorship. The study also offers the first focused account of the figure of the female professional journalist in Victorian novels, showing how these texts move away from the dominant myth of the author as a solitary genius to present the female journalist as a collaborator.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the remarkable story of the mid-century emergence of 'model women of the press,' a group of trailblazing women who not only stormed the male-dominated realms of social and political journalism but also proudly presented themselves as champions of the highest standards of professional journalistic practice. These remarkable individuals shattered the codes of anonymity in innovative ways, such as signing their articles in their own names and crafting distinct feminine personas. Through their exemplary work, they demonstrated the undeniable fitness of women for traditionally masculine lines of journalism, challenging societal norms and paving the way for greater gender equality in the field.

By contextualizing Victorian women's serious and high-minded journalism within the broader landscape of female professions in mid-nineteenth-century England, this book sheds light on the significant contributions made by a diverse range of women writers, including prominent Victorian feminists and female reformers. Through extensive archival research and meticulous analysis of a wide array of printed texts, spanning from Victorian newspapers and periodicals to autobiographies, memoirs, and fiction, the book unveils previously overlooked aspects of Victorian women's journalism. It explores the market appeal of the feminist English Woman's Journal, showcases the remarkable ability of women like Eliza Meteyard and Frances Power Cobbe to consistently write about serious social and political issues in mainstream periodicals, delves into Harriet Ward's courageous reporting from the war-torn fields of South Africa, and highlights Harriet Martineau's poignant accounts of Famine-ravaged Ireland and her influential role as a transatlantic commentator on American abolitionism.

Furthermore, this study provides a focused examination of the figure of the female professional journalist in Victorian novels, offering a fresh perspective that departs from the prevailing myth of the author as a solitary genius. These texts challenge the notion of the female journalist as a mere ancillary character and instead present her as a dynamic and accomplished professional, contributing to the shaping of public discourse and advocating for social change.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the mid-century rise of 'model women of the press,' shedding light on their pioneering efforts, the challenges they faced, and their profound impact on the professionalization of women's authorship. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of these remarkable women, who not only broke barriers but also paved the way for future generations of journalists to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367759384