Tim Stafford over at Books and Culture, has reviewed Sally McMillen’s new book Seneca Falls and the Origins of the Women’s Rights Movement. He kicks it off with a revealing story about the place of women’s history among leading historians:

Chatting casually with historian James McPherson, Davidson professor Sally McMillen learned that he was co-editing a series called Pivotal Moments in American History. &#8220Surprised by what I did not hear, I responded, &#8216-But you have nothing on women!’ He looked at me and asked, &#8216-Do you have any ideas?’ &#8216-Well, as a start,’ I answered, &#8216-Seneca Falls.’&#8221

McMillen tells that anecdote explaining how she came to write the story of the American women’s rights movement in the 19th century. For her &#8220pivotal moment&#8221 she chose the 1848 two-day convention in Seneca Falls, New York, the first substantial meeting dedicated exclusively to women’s rights. She weaves her account of the movement around four prominent leaders: Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucy Stone. (Unnervingly, McMillen refers to them throughout by their first names—&#8221because I have come to know them well and because using their first names make [sic] them seem more human.&#8221) The result is a very readable, brief history—just what someone needs to begin to learn about the early trajectory of women’s rights in America. McMillen is thorough and even-handed, with no ideological axe to grind. She writes well. Bravo.

McMillen chairs the history department at Davidson College.