Irving Stone presents a biographical profile of Jessie Benton Frémont, the daughter of a Missouri senator and wife of the explorer John C. Frémont. The narrative moves from the political circles of Washington D.C. to the rough landscapes of the American West and the turmoil of the Civil War. Jessie serves as her husband’s intellectual partner, ghostwriting his influential expedition reports and managing his public image during his controversial military career and bid for the presidency. The story focuses on her navigation of nineteenth-century gender constraints and her loyalty through his repeated cycles of professional success and public disgrace.
Readers interested in the logistics of westward expansion and the domestic realities of political life will find a detailed recreation of the pioneer era. History enthusiasts read this book to see how a singular woman influenced national policy and territorial growth from behind the scenes. Those who finish the book gain a specific understanding of the partnership between the Frémonts and the internal mechanics of mid-nineteenth-century American governance. It provides a clear view of how private ambition drove public history during the nation’s expansion.
Clear-cut; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1940
- Language
- EN
