The Civically Engaged Woman: The Rhetoric and Activism of the Silenced Voice introduces readers to the lives of lesser-known women living in the US during the period of 1820-1920. The contributors address why their rhetoric, communicative participation, and civic actions were noteworthy and impactful, and offers implications for the relevance of their work today.

Through examining these women’s “communicative engagement” (McKinney, Kaid, and Bystrom 2005), the authors argue for recognition of their civic contributions and celebration of their lives and legacy; therefore, enlarging our understanding of civic engagement and the heroines and narratives that guide us. Scholars of rhetoric, communication, and women’s studies will find this book particularly useful.