I absolutely loved the quality content of this book. Many of these men were raised by tough women who were far from "complacent and docile."

However, after taking a history class and quite a few writing classes, I'm rather appalled by the amount of conjecture in a couple of chapters. So we don't know anything about Agnes Taylor. The best writing will admit that and move on to what we do know. Similarly, an editor who could streamline trains of thought would tighten up logic and storylines that jump around a bit.

The research was impressive. And many of the stories fascinating-- Read Mary Fielding Smith's chapter for a taste. But the technical areas could use a little changing. Presentation helps the case and I, personally, have found very little to be wrong with professionalism in scholarship. ( )

A good book, but certainly not great. The subject matter was interesting. But I had a real problem with the writing. One of the most annoying aspects was the way the writers would assume things about the women's lives. It would say something like, "We can guess that Sister X did this as a young woman." Why guess? If you don't know, don't put it in the book! I don't want speculation in a biography. I want stuff that has been verified. Otherwise it's fiction. ( )