Prophesying daughters : Black women preachers and the Word, 1823-1913 /

Taking her title from the book of Joel, Haywood (English, Florida A&M Univ., Tallahassee) argues that the four 19th-century African American women preachers she discusses should be considered contributors to the development of African American literary history. According to the author, Jarena Lee, Julia Foote, Maria Stewart, and Frances Gaudet left a legacy of religious conviction and social activism, a contribution that most literary scholars overlook (though Haywood does acknowledge several critics who have examined some of their speeches and essays within the context of black women writers). Haywood hopes that her study will encourage a deeper analysis of the rhetorical devices black women preachers used as they sought to define themselves as Christians and agents of social and political reform. Such analyses, she claims, will open possibilities for new interpretations of the religious themes that run through much of 19th-century African American fiction. In addition to introducing readers to relevant biblical references, Prophesying Daughters presents an excellent historical overview of the conditions under which these women labored in order to fulfill their "divine obligation." ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Of special interest to lower/upper-division undergraduates and general readers. S. A. Adell University of Wisconsin--Madison

Haywood (English, Florida A&M Univ.) here examines the autobiographies of four 19th-century black women preachers who were slaves or descendants of slaves in order to reveal the connection between their religious convictions and their commitment to political and social change. Instead of focusing on the gospel message of these texts, Haywood homes in on their trials as black women at a time when they were denied equality in all areas of life. "Prophesying," in Haywood's context, refers not to foretelling but to proclaiming the gospel and biblical message, especially as it relates to social change, as well as to these women's sense of calling, akin to the Apostle Paul. Haywood cites examples from the autobiographies that may inspire readers to consult the original texts, but her own thesis is laden with jargon, and its appeal will be limited to fellow academics searching for a new angle on these 19th-century autobiographies. For comprehensive academic collections in literature, sociology, and religion.-George Westerlund, formerly with Providence P.L., Palmyra, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.