Martha Saxton, Historian Who Explored Women's Lives, Passes Away

Martha Saxton, a historian renowned for her insightful explorations of women's lives, passed away at the age of 77 at her residence in Norfolk, Conn.

Throughout her career, she delved deeply into the lives of diverse figures, shedding light on the experiences of notable individuals such as Louisa May Alcott, the iconic 1950s actress and sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, and Mary Washington, the mother of the first president of the United States.

The cause of her passing was lung cancer, as confirmed by her daughter, Josephine Saxton Ferorelli. 

Who Was Martha Saxton?

Martha Saxton initially embarked on her journey as a freelance writer before becoming an assistant professor of history and women's studies at Amherst College. In her academic endeavours, she dedicated herself to unearthing the stories of women, who had been obscured by the weight of male privilege prevailing during their time and perpetuated by historians throughout history.

With her passion for gender studies and historical research, Professor Saxton's work was instrumental in revealing the often-neglected narratives of women, offering fresh perspectives and enriching our understanding of their significant contributions to society. Her impact on the field of history and women's studies will be remembered and cherished by scholars and readers alike.

Saxton's Notable Works

The Widow Washington: The Life of Mary Washington

Published in 2019, the book brought significant attention to a woman who had long been overlooked and dismissed by generations of male historians. Mary Washington, the mother of a renowned figure, was often portrayed as a harsh slave owner who mistreated her famous son. However, the author, Saxton, presented a different perspective without glorifying her subject.

In her work, Saxton skillfully portrayed Mary Washington as a product of her time, acknowledging the complexities of her life and actions. Through her research, she revealed that Mary's experiences and struggles were representative of the challenges faced by women in 18th-century Virginia. 

Jayne Mansfield and the American Fifties

In her debut book, "Jayne Mansfield and the American Fifties" (1976), Professor Saxton offered a unique and feminist perspective, becoming one of the pioneers in the emerging field of feminist history. This groundbreaking work provided the first serious examination of Jayne Mansfield, an actress primarily known for her physical attractiveness rather than her acting talents.

Through her analysis of Jayne Mansfield's life, Professor Saxton portrayed her as both a victim and an agent.

Louisa May Alcott: A Modern Biography

By delving into the life and work of Louisa May Alcott, Professor Saxton's biography sheds light not only on the author herself but also on broader questions about the construction of gender roles and moral ideals in society.

It serves as a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationships between gender, ethics, and literary representation, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in defining what it means to be a "good" woman.

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