About the book
Out on Assignment illuminates the lives and writings of a lost world of women who wrote for major metropolitan newspapers at the start of the twentieth century. Using extraordinary archival research, Alice Fahs unearths a richly networked community of female journalists drawn by the hundreds to major cities — especially New York — from all parts of the United States.
Newspaper women were part of a wave of women seeking new, independent, urban lives, but they struggled to obtain the newspaper work of their dreams. Although some female journalists embraced more adventurous reporting, including stunt work and undercover assignments, many were relegated to the women’s page. However, these intrepid female journalists made the women’s page their own. Fahs reveals how their writings — including celebrity interviews, witty sketches of urban life, celebrations of being “bachelor girls,” advice columns, and a campaign in support of suffrage — had far-reaching implications for the creation of new, modern public spaces for American women at the turn of the century. As observers and actors in a new drama of independent urban life, newspaper women used the simultaneously liberating and exploitative nature of their work, Fahs argues, to demonstrate the power of a public voice, both individually and collectively.
Editions of Out on Assignment
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807834961
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469621968
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890877086
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469602561
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807869031
Read an Excerpt
Out on Assignment illuminates the lives and writings of a lost world of women who wrote for major metropolitan newspapers at the start of the twentieth century. Using extraordinary archival research, Alice Fahs unearths a richly networked community of female journalists drawn by the hundreds to major cities — especially New York — from all parts of the United States.
Newspaper women were part of a wave of women seeking new, independent, urban lives, but they struggled to obtain the newspaper work of their dreams. Although some female journalists embraced more adventurous reporting, including stunt work and undercover assignments, many were relegated to the women’s page. However, these intrepid female journalists made the women’s page their own. Fahs reveals how their writings — including celebrity interviews, witty sketches of urban life, celebrations of being “bachelor girls,” advice columns, and a campaign in support of suffrage — had far-reaching implications for the creation of new, modern public spaces for American women at the turn of the century. As observers and actors in a new drama of independent urban life, newspaper women used the simultaneously liberating and exploitative nature of their work, Fahs argues, to demonstrate the power of a public voice, both individually and collectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Out on Assignment about?
Out on Assignment illuminates the lives and writings of a lost world of women who wrote for major metropolitan newspapers at the start of the twentieth century. Using extraordinary archival research, Alice Fahs unearths a richly networked community of female journalists drawn by the hundreds to major cities — especially New York — from all parts of the United States.
Newspaper women were part of a wave of women seeking new, independent, urban lives, but they struggled to obtain the newspaper work of their dreams. Although some female journalists embraced more adventurous reporting, including stunt work and undercover assignments, many were relegated to the women’s page. However, these intrepid female journalists made the women’s page their own. Fahs reveals how their writings — including celebrity interviews, witty sketches of urban life, celebrations of being “bachelor girls,” advice columns, and a campaign in support of suffrage — had far-reaching implications for the creation of new, modern public spaces for American women at the turn of the century. As observers and actors in a new drama of independent urban life, newspaper women used the simultaneously liberating and exploitative nature of their work, Fahs argues, to demonstrate the power of a public voice, both individually and collectively.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Out on Assignment?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Gender studies, gender groups > Gender studies: women and girls
Where can I read a sample of Out on Assignment?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807834961
How long is Out on Assignment and how many pages does it have?
Out on Assignment has 376 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Out on Assignment?
Alice Fahs
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Out on Assignment is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807834961) and paperback(ISBN 9781469621968) and ebook(ISBN 9798890877086) and ebook(ISBN 9781469602561) and ebook(ISBN 9780807869031)
Where can I buy Out on Assignment online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Out on Assignment from below
Where can I buy Out on Assignment?