"An engaging biographical look into the intriguing life of Marietta Holley. This scholarly biographical and literary study deftly explores the historical interests of the popular writer Marietta Holley and many of the secrets that made her life and writing what it became. A very highly recommended read for students of literature, women’s studies and regional American cultural history."—The Book Watch
"Backed by Mark Twain’s publisher, she drew on the vernacular humor tradition to create a sympathetic comic woman who hid behind the deliberately self-effacing mask of ‘Josiah Allen's Wife.’ In 21 books between 1873 and 1914, she turned her pragmatic gaze on sex, race, religion, politics, foreign policy, and genteel values; she propagandized for votes, temperance, and feminism."—Library Journal
"Excellently researched and well written. . . . Marietta Holley has at last a chance of regaining her place in a tradition she helped to create."—Modern Fiction Studies
October 2005