Quoting Matilda

 

Rediscovering a Forgotten Feminist Trailblazer: Quoting Matilda by Susan Savion

When we think of women's suffrage, names like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton often come to mind. But one name, equally deserving, has remained in the shadows: Matilda Joslyn Gage. In Quoting Matilda, author Susan Savion brings this extraordinary woman’s story and words back to life, reminding us of her monumental contributions to the fight for equality.

Who Was Matilda Joslyn Gage?

Born into an abolitionist family in upstate New York, Matilda Joslyn Gage was raised in a household deeply committed to justice. Her childhood home, and later her own Greek Revival home in Fayetteville, New York, served as stops on the Underground Railroad.

While Anthony and Stanton are celebrated for their suffragist efforts, Matilda’s equally vital role has often been overshadowed. This was partly because her peers found her ideas too radical—she dared to demand not just voting rights but equality in all aspects of governance, property ownership, and social power.

The Legacy of a Radical Thinker

Inspired by her Haudenosaunee neighbors, who adopted her into their wolf clan, Matilda witnessed a matriarchal society where women held significant power. She sought to emulate this system in her advocacy, fighting not only for women’s rights but also for the rights of Native Americans, enslaved individuals, and others marginalized by systemic oppression.

Her influence extended beyond suffrage. Matilda supported women inventors, challenged the inequalities perpetuated by religious institutions, and co-authored The Woman’s Bible with Stanton. Her own book, Women, Church, and State, was dismissed as “going too far,” a testament to her uncompromising commitment to justice.

A Lasting Impact on Culture and History

Matilda’s ideals even influenced pop culture. Her son-in-law, L. Frank Baum, credited her as a source of inspiration for his Oz series, weaving her vision of justice and equality into his iconic works.

Though her contributions were largely erased from history for decades, Matilda’s work resonates today. Her life-long dedication to equality, justice, and truth makes her immensely quotable, as Quoting Matilda demonstrates.

Why Quoting Matilda Matters

Susan Savion’s Quoting Matilda revives the voice of this remarkable woman, shedding light on her enduring relevance. Through carefully selected quotes and historical context, the book invites readers to rediscover Matilda’s bold ideas and visionary leadership.

Whether you’re passionate about feminism, history, or social justice, Quoting Matilda is a compelling reminder of the power of one voice to shape a better future.

Dive into Matilda’s words and let her inspire your fight for justice. Quoting Matilda is available now!