This book brings to life selected Christian women in the nineteenth century who pioneered in their particular sphere, women who had, perhaps, previously just been 'names', heard about but whose vitality and commitment merits further exploration. It focuses on their origins, the influences upon them, their work and an estimation of their contribution to and influence on American life through social work, education and evangelisation. It is ecumenical in approach - for example, Amanda Smith, black evangelist; Elizabeth Seton, educationalist, founder of the Sisters of Charity; Dorothy Dix, champion of the mentally disabled; Anne Judson, pioneer missionary to Myanmar; Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, provider of care for the terminally ill. No one can see these women as conforming to a stereotyped pattern. That they are individuals, not fulfilling some iconic role, shows clearly in the study of their lives and the diversity of the talents used in service to others. Mary Calvert has contributed several titles to the books in the Macmillan S.T.R. series; has written books on Celtic life and prayer, such as God to Enfold Me; short radio plays, children's adventure stories. like The Holiday at Woodford and biographies such as Tamara - A Memoir.
She now turns in her biographical writing to women of note across the Atlantic.