women readers
Reading has historically been a personal or social activity engrained in the everyday lives of women throughout history. From the reading aspect of the communications circuit, female readers have had a significant impact on what has been written and published by being a large portion of the reading population, especially as literacy rates increased over time.
As early as the 16th century, women have been recorded in diaries as readers of published works. Selections from the diary of an English gentry woman named Margaret Hoby demonstrates how the focus of early printing of religious texts and on a society deeply engrained in a Christian religious culture was not limited to male theologians or scholars. However, Margaret Hoby’s socioeconomic class of gentry does reveal a time when the written word would have primarily been available only to gentry or scholarly classes, particularly for women. Although other materials may have existed, religious and moral advisory reading for the purpose of bettering oneself was often considered the most (if
not only) appropriate material for a woman and anything outside of these types of texts were “depraved because they do not constitute reading as work” (Snook, 2005, pp. 14).
not only) appropriate material for a woman and anything outside of these types of texts were “depraved because they do not constitute reading as work” (Snook, 2005, pp. 14).
'after priuat praier I reed of the bible and wrought tell dinner time, before which I praied; and, after dinner, I continewed my ordenarie Course of working, reading, and dispossinge of busenes in the House, tell after 5:, at which time I praied,
read a sermon, and examened my selfe' – written August 29, 1599 (Hoby,1930, pp. 67). Margaret Hoby’s writing of reading the bible to herself and to her mother and other religious texts throughout her day, and her reference to her “continued…ordinary course of….reading” reveals how reading was a significant portion of her life as a woman of the gentry class during this period in England.
‘then I went a little about the house and reed of the diatt of the soul tell 5:, and then returned to priuat praier and medetacion, and so to readinge of the bible and walkinge tell supper. – written on August 31 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 68). Reference to a work named Diet of the Soul suggests religious and moral readings to supplement“prayer and meditation, and…reading of the bible”.
'then I reed a chapter of the Bible to my mother' – written on September 23, 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 73). This reveals
the social aspects of reading for women.
'and then I read of the book of marters and so went to bed' – written on October 24, 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 80). When
considered with the other passages about reading before breakfast, reading before supper, and reading before and after dinner, this passage reveals that reading was central to her life throughout her entire day.
After priuat praier I did read of the Bible and then eate my breakfast – written on November 16, 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 84).
read a sermon, and examened my selfe' – written August 29, 1599 (Hoby,1930, pp. 67). Margaret Hoby’s writing of reading the bible to herself and to her mother and other religious texts throughout her day, and her reference to her “continued…ordinary course of….reading” reveals how reading was a significant portion of her life as a woman of the gentry class during this period in England.
‘then I went a little about the house and reed of the diatt of the soul tell 5:, and then returned to priuat praier and medetacion, and so to readinge of the bible and walkinge tell supper. – written on August 31 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 68). Reference to a work named Diet of the Soul suggests religious and moral readings to supplement“prayer and meditation, and…reading of the bible”.
'then I reed a chapter of the Bible to my mother' – written on September 23, 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 73). This reveals
the social aspects of reading for women.
'and then I read of the book of marters and so went to bed' – written on October 24, 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 80). When
considered with the other passages about reading before breakfast, reading before supper, and reading before and after dinner, this passage reveals that reading was central to her life throughout her entire day.
After priuat praier I did read of the Bible and then eate my breakfast – written on November 16, 1599 (Hoby, 1930, pp. 84).
This painting from the 1520s depicts the religious connotations of a woman reading. The woman is shown reading the Book of Hours, a Christian devotional very popular throughout the Middle Ages. The Book of Hours was commonly read by women and in a small size, as shown here, for her to carry with her and read throughout the day, reading being an activity done multiple times a day. You can also see a rosary in her hand, further suggesting the religious nature of her reading and contemplation.
Image retrieved from: http://bjws.blogspot.com/2012/08/rosaries-depicted-in-art.html
Image retrieved from: http://bjws.blogspot.com/2012/08/rosaries-depicted-in-art.html
Based on diary entries and correspondence about women reading during the 17th and 18th centuries it would appear that an emphasis on religious materials continued as did the limits of reading to the upper-classes of society, including gentry classes and academic and professional classes, although some accounts from individuals with trade professions suggests literacy was increasing. However, although religious texts were most frequently referred to, other
types of texts were also commonly read by women during this time such as works written during ancient times and historical accounts. The examples here demonstrate the social aspect of “early modern women’s reading” with wives reading to husbands, daughter’s reading to fathers, and women reading to one another (Donawerth, 2006, pp. 986).
types of texts were also commonly read by women during this time such as works written during ancient times and historical accounts. The examples here demonstrate the social aspect of “early modern women’s reading” with wives reading to husbands, daughter’s reading to fathers, and women reading to one another (Donawerth, 2006, pp. 986).
'and after supper, and W. Battler gone, my wife begun another book I lately bought, a new book called "The State of England", which promises well and is worth reading; and so after a while to bed.' – written January 30, 1669 (Pepys, 1970, pp. 432). This passage demonstrates the reading of non-religious materials (in this instance historical texts) and the social aspect of reading (in this case a wife reading to her husband).
'Janet Fraser . . . had gone out to the fields with a young female companion, and sat down to read the Bible . . . [Going to get a drink of water, she left] her Bible open at the place where she had been reading . . . the 34th chapter of Isaiah, beginning "My sword shall be bathed in heaven" . . . . On returning she found a patch of something like blood covering the very text. In great surprise, she carried the book home, where a young man tasted the substance with his tongue, and found it of a saltless or insipid flavour. On the two succeeding Sundays, while the same girl was reading her Bible in the open air, similar blotches of matter, like blood,fell upon the leaves. She did not perceive it in the act of falling till
it was about an inch from the book.' – written May 1, 1687 (Chambers, 1859, pp. 487-488). This passage demonstrates the continued emphasis on the bible and religious texts and the social aspect reading provides for women to connect with one another.
‘I find an infinite pleasure in trying to improve myself & my mind is much more composed since I have determin'd to employ every hour of my time usefully, except those destin'd by every body to amusement & relaxation. Music & reading & writing fill up half the day; work, family duties & dressing, the other; the evening I devote to seeing my friends either at home or abroad. Thus I enjoy at present a negative happiness-- disturb'd it is occasionally, by some
few cross accident[s] & disagreable reflections.’ – written October 1785 (Armes, 1935, pp. 234). This excerpt demonstrates the view of reading as a means of “pleasure” and improvement for women.
'Janet Fraser . . . had gone out to the fields with a young female companion, and sat down to read the Bible . . . [Going to get a drink of water, she left] her Bible open at the place where she had been reading . . . the 34th chapter of Isaiah, beginning "My sword shall be bathed in heaven" . . . . On returning she found a patch of something like blood covering the very text. In great surprise, she carried the book home, where a young man tasted the substance with his tongue, and found it of a saltless or insipid flavour. On the two succeeding Sundays, while the same girl was reading her Bible in the open air, similar blotches of matter, like blood,fell upon the leaves. She did not perceive it in the act of falling till
it was about an inch from the book.' – written May 1, 1687 (Chambers, 1859, pp. 487-488). This passage demonstrates the continued emphasis on the bible and religious texts and the social aspect reading provides for women to connect with one another.
‘I find an infinite pleasure in trying to improve myself & my mind is much more composed since I have determin'd to employ every hour of my time usefully, except those destin'd by every body to amusement & relaxation. Music & reading & writing fill up half the day; work, family duties & dressing, the other; the evening I devote to seeing my friends either at home or abroad. Thus I enjoy at present a negative happiness-- disturb'd it is occasionally, by some
few cross accident[s] & disagreable reflections.’ – written October 1785 (Armes, 1935, pp. 234). This excerpt demonstrates the view of reading as a means of “pleasure” and improvement for women.
This painting from the 1700s demonstrates the social aspect of reading for women. In this picture several women are gathered together listening to one read. Their manner of dress suggests the position as ladies in an
upper-socioeconomic class. Their demure expressions suggest great interest in what is being read and their closeness suggest a delight in each other’s company.
Image retrieved from: http://oldsite.english.ucsb.edu/faculty/warner/courses/w00/engl30/stagingreaders.ecf.8.99.html
upper-socioeconomic class. Their demure expressions suggest great interest in what is being read and their closeness suggest a delight in each other’s company.
Image retrieved from: http://oldsite.english.ucsb.edu/faculty/warner/courses/w00/engl30/stagingreaders.ecf.8.99.html
As literacy increased so too did the amount of material being published and the types of materials. During the 19th
century female readership was no longer confined to socioeconomic classes of trades persons and up; although those individuals at the lowest socioeconomic levels of society would still remain the least likely to be able to read, many
now could and did so and were able to purchase materials since publishers were beginning to print less expensive works. Although the types of work was expanding it was still considered proper for women to read religious texts, especially the bible and most female readers were almost certainly reading scripture in addition to other materials. The novel and “reading for pleasure” began taking on a feminine quality, most likely because of a rise in middle-class women that would have time to read extensively, an increase in literacy that made texts available to even servants, and a continued disdain for reading without the intention of education and self-improvement (Byatt, 2009). Of interest
particularly for female readers is the rise in “circulating libraries…[which]are thought to have played a key role in fostering the interest in reading and novels among women and servants, most of whom had been excluded until then”
(Byatt, 2009).
century female readership was no longer confined to socioeconomic classes of trades persons and up; although those individuals at the lowest socioeconomic levels of society would still remain the least likely to be able to read, many
now could and did so and were able to purchase materials since publishers were beginning to print less expensive works. Although the types of work was expanding it was still considered proper for women to read religious texts, especially the bible and most female readers were almost certainly reading scripture in addition to other materials. The novel and “reading for pleasure” began taking on a feminine quality, most likely because of a rise in middle-class women that would have time to read extensively, an increase in literacy that made texts available to even servants, and a continued disdain for reading without the intention of education and self-improvement (Byatt, 2009). Of interest
particularly for female readers is the rise in “circulating libraries…[which]are thought to have played a key role in fostering the interest in reading and novels among women and servants, most of whom had been excluded until then”
(Byatt, 2009).
'My mother used to read the novels of Miss Braddon and Mrs Henry Wood, and those in a series called "The
Family Story Teller", that she got from the public library. My father got her "East Lynne" through a pub Literary Society, she read it over and over again. I read it when I was about nine. Heavens, the tears I gulped back over the death
of Little Willie!' – unknown date (Stamper, 1960, pp. 42). This passage shows the extension of reading to lower socioeconomic classes, the rise of public libraries which can be seen directly as benefiting and for women, as well as the reading by mothers to their children for amusement during the Victorian era.
'Princess Charlotte wrote of reading as a "great passion"; in a poignant attempt to construct bourgeois domestic intimacy in the dysfunctional household of the divorced Prince Regent she discussed and exchanged books with her friend Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, including memoirs and recent history, Byron's poems, and novels including Gothic fiction and works by Anne Plumptre and Jane Austen. (The perceptive Charlotte especially enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" because she discerned in herself"the same imprudence" as Marianne's).' – Written between 1811 and 1817 (Pearson, 1999, pp. 181). This passage reveals how reading, particularly works of fiction and poetry, can be incredibly satisfying for women, even considered a “great passion.” Further this text demonstrates the social aspect of reading, but in this instance private readings rather than group readings that may later be discussed between friends and works
exchanged.
‘This work is written as from a spaniard in England, & is entitled a translation from the spanish, but I think I should have known, on a perusal of it, that it was not composed in that language, nor by a Catholic. There is so much affectation of misconception, & such absurdly extravagant expressions of superstition, that it appears to me that the author could not have intended even to decieve the public, but merely to have written them as a satirical burlesque. It is now said to be the production of Robert Southey, & it certainly bears evident marks of imagination & refinement, every natural beauty is beheld with the eye of poet, & there are a few descriptions, which could have proceeded only from one, accustomed to contemplate "The grand, the lovely, Nature's scenes displayed".
In his description of the manners, customs,& c I presume he is correct. - The account is in general pleasing, but in speaking of the manufactories, he inspires the most painful & disgustful sentiments, since they present, instead of a healthful system of industry & morality, the pictures of slavery, cruelty & depravity.
The style is elegant & interesting.
"Struggles through life"
"Exemplified in the adventures of John Harriott" -
On reading the first volume of this amusing work, I concluded that it must be a fiction, since it abounds with the most romantic & incredible anecdotes, but the second volume had so much the air of truth & reality that I believe I had mistaken before, & that they are the real adventures of an amiable & enterprising man, of the most perfect integrity, & the greateset personal courage. The second volume contains a candid’ – written December 1800 (Morton, 2004, pp. 26-34). This excerpt reveals the thought given to books and the background of their narrative, authorship, creativity, sensibility, etc. and the discussion women would have with one another (in this case through letters) about it.This also reveals the tenable nature of types of books, with the writer unsure of whether a work is fiction or non-fiction.
Family Story Teller", that she got from the public library. My father got her "East Lynne" through a pub Literary Society, she read it over and over again. I read it when I was about nine. Heavens, the tears I gulped back over the death
of Little Willie!' – unknown date (Stamper, 1960, pp. 42). This passage shows the extension of reading to lower socioeconomic classes, the rise of public libraries which can be seen directly as benefiting and for women, as well as the reading by mothers to their children for amusement during the Victorian era.
'Princess Charlotte wrote of reading as a "great passion"; in a poignant attempt to construct bourgeois domestic intimacy in the dysfunctional household of the divorced Prince Regent she discussed and exchanged books with her friend Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, including memoirs and recent history, Byron's poems, and novels including Gothic fiction and works by Anne Plumptre and Jane Austen. (The perceptive Charlotte especially enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" because she discerned in herself"the same imprudence" as Marianne's).' – Written between 1811 and 1817 (Pearson, 1999, pp. 181). This passage reveals how reading, particularly works of fiction and poetry, can be incredibly satisfying for women, even considered a “great passion.” Further this text demonstrates the social aspect of reading, but in this instance private readings rather than group readings that may later be discussed between friends and works
exchanged.
‘This work is written as from a spaniard in England, & is entitled a translation from the spanish, but I think I should have known, on a perusal of it, that it was not composed in that language, nor by a Catholic. There is so much affectation of misconception, & such absurdly extravagant expressions of superstition, that it appears to me that the author could not have intended even to decieve the public, but merely to have written them as a satirical burlesque. It is now said to be the production of Robert Southey, & it certainly bears evident marks of imagination & refinement, every natural beauty is beheld with the eye of poet, & there are a few descriptions, which could have proceeded only from one, accustomed to contemplate "The grand, the lovely, Nature's scenes displayed".
In his description of the manners, customs,& c I presume he is correct. - The account is in general pleasing, but in speaking of the manufactories, he inspires the most painful & disgustful sentiments, since they present, instead of a healthful system of industry & morality, the pictures of slavery, cruelty & depravity.
The style is elegant & interesting.
"Struggles through life"
"Exemplified in the adventures of John Harriott" -
On reading the first volume of this amusing work, I concluded that it must be a fiction, since it abounds with the most romantic & incredible anecdotes, but the second volume had so much the air of truth & reality that I believe I had mistaken before, & that they are the real adventures of an amiable & enterprising man, of the most perfect integrity, & the greateset personal courage. The second volume contains a candid’ – written December 1800 (Morton, 2004, pp. 26-34). This excerpt reveals the thought given to books and the background of their narrative, authorship, creativity, sensibility, etc. and the discussion women would have with one another (in this case through letters) about it.This also reveals the tenable nature of types of books, with the writer unsure of whether a work is fiction or non-fiction.
This image of a woman reading, painted in 1850, suggests reading
to be a very private, personal affair. Indeed, the hand touching her chest and bare shoulders implies an intimacy and that the book is so thoroughly engrossing she is not considering her composure.
Image retrieved from: http://www.infinitecurio.com/blog/2009/11/25/the-beauty-of-reading/
to be a very private, personal affair. Indeed, the hand touching her chest and bare shoulders implies an intimacy and that the book is so thoroughly engrossing she is not considering her composure.
Image retrieved from: http://www.infinitecurio.com/blog/2009/11/25/the-beauty-of-reading/