The Peabody Sisters: Three Women Who Ignited American Romanticism - Megan Marshall

The times of transcendentalism in nineteenth century America. Many notable writers of this period have been discussed, but with this biography, add the Peabody Sisters, especially the eldest, Elizabeth. Megan Marshall makes her a fascinating subject as she merges from the trials of her personal life with her greater achievements. Elizabeth Peabody opened progressive schools in the New England area, but the biography isn't just about her, it's about all the Peabody Sisters. This is what makes the book spin into lower tier stuff. The other Peabody sisters have accomplishments worthy enough to tell, but Marshall focuses too much on their personal relationships. The fact that Elizabeth loved the two men that eventually married her sisters is too vital in the book. Then the book ends with both sisters (Elizabeth never married) getting married to their ideal husbands to give it the glow of a Jane Austen affair than an actual serious study of their lives and time. What the Peabody Sisters did after the marriages is only the value of a small epilogue. Interesting book, but too many faulty parts and purposes.