Wendell and Ann Phillips: The Community of Reform, 1840-1880

by Irving H. Bartlett

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393000613
• ISBN13: 9780393000610
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 249 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Abolitionist and reformer

Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist of note. His wife Ann was an alert helpmate, notwithstanding physical complaints which kept her housebound during most of her adult years. A trove of Phillips letters called the Blagdon Papers permit the historical re-examination of Wendell Phillips's career.Wendell Phillips was a Bostonian. In the mid nineteenth century this meant that he was provincial. He attended the law school at Harvard and was minimally involved in the practice of law when he ventured into the realm occupied by William Lloyd Garrison. He undertook to be a leader and to be a speaker in the service of the great cause of abolition and reform. He traveled extensively and had immense influence. The cache of letters includes many items of writings addressed to him evidencing his efforts to assist in the betterment of the circumstances of individuals. His engagement in personal philanthropy involved a number of different kinds of people. When he died in 1884 he left only a modest estate. Phillips spent most of his career as a dissenter. During the 1840's and 50's Garrison and Phillips collaborated powerfully. During the Civil War Phillips's reputation soared. At the time of Reconstruction Phillips broke with Garrison.