Transcendental Wife tells the story of Abigail May Alcott (1800-1877), a 19th-century wife and mother, who accepted the view that women best served society and moral authority by supporting involved husbands and by nurturing future citizens, the children. Before her marriage she espoused abolition, temperance, and educational reform, and the circumstances of her life with Bronson Alcott led to her eventual advocacy of careers and the vote for women. This book considers her life in the context of her historical era and as a person in her own right.

"Cynthia Barton has presented a well-researched and well-written biography of this fascinating woman, who was the mainstay of her husband Bronson and the inspiration for her daughter Louisa. How good it is to finally see 'Marmee' given life on her own." - CHOICE

"Transcendental Wife, The Life of Abigail May Alcott^R is a vivid portrait of the real 'Marmee', a woman of warmth, wit and formidable character...Barton's biography reveals Abby May Alcott in trouble and triumph...This is a biography of 'Marmee' ripe and ready reading in these times.^RRRR" - CHOICE

"Cynthia Barton's Transcendental Wife^R is an important contribution to scholarship on 19th century American women...Barton offers important insights into her struggles and makes effective use of letters and diaries to convey a sense of Alcott's inner life.^RRRR" - CHOICE

"Barton has hit all the relevant sources in her deeply researched, compact study. This biography fills a major lacuna in the literature on the Alcott family." - CHOICE

"Barton has hit all the relevant sources in her deeply researched, compact study. This biography fills a major lacuna in the literature on the Alcott family." - CHOICE

"Cynthia Barton has presented a well-researched and well-written biography of this fascinating woman, who was the mainstay of her husband Bronson and the inspiration for her daughter Louisa. How good it is to finally see 'Marmee' given life on her own." - CHOICE

"Transcendental Wife, The Life of Abigail May Alcott^R is a vivid portrait of the real 'Marmee', a woman of warmth, wit and formidable character...Barton's biography reveals Abby May Alcott in trouble and triumph...This is a biography of 'Marmee' ripe and ready reading in these times.^R" - CHOICE

"Cynthia Barton's Transcendental Wife^R is an important contribution to scholarship on 19th century American women...Barton offers important insights into her struggles and makes effective use of letters and diaries to convey a sense of Alcott's inner life.^R" - CHOICE