Very Rare "Woman's Work for Women," 1896

Woman's Work For Woman, A Union Illustrated Magazine Published Monthly by the Women's Foreign Missionary Societies of the Presbyterian Church. Vol. XI, No. 1. January 1896. New York. 28 pages. Vertical fold down the center of the booklet, with soiling on the front and back cover, water damage on the top and right edge of the front cover, and small losses on the bottom edge of the back cover. Very rare; OCLC locates no other known copies.

Woman's Work for Woman was published from 1890-1904. The magazine contains articles and updates about life in different missionary locations in Asia, South America, and the Middle East. With most of the submissions by women, and with an all women Editorial Committee, this magazine is indicative of some of the most acceptable ways for women to participate in public life in the late 19th century. Women were not allowed to participate in Presbyterian church councils or leadership until the mid-twentieth century, but working with the Women's Missionary Societies gave new opportunities for writing, organizing, and leadership positions. In the late 19th century, women who sought work outside the home were often criticized for abandoning family and domestic responsibilities, but women who pursued religious work did not face this same criticism since they had an altruistic motive. Working on religious causes allowed women agency and independence that they would not be able to access in other occupations. Very rare. At the time that this description is being written, no copies are recorded in American institutions. OCLC search results are at best an estimate and can vary over time.