When Sara Hale (1788-1879) was widowed, she was left with five small children to support. Her solution was literature. She edited Godey's Lady's Book for 40 years and supported such movements as female education reforms and property rights for women. She also penned the famous "Mary had a little lamb." This astounding collection of female biographies strives to highlight the abilities of women down the ages, from Maria de Abarca to Zoe, daughter of Constantine IX. BAL 6886.