Hermaphrodite

Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) is best remembered as the poet who wrote the words to "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Her literary fame was augmented by her eventual role as an activist for women's rights and her efforts to mobilize women for various peace efforts. Gary Williams is a professor of English at the University of Idaho and the author of Hungry Heart: The Literary Emergence of Julia Ward Howe.

• AcknowledgmentsSpeaking with the Voices of Others: Julia Ward Howe's LaurenceA Note on the TextThe Hermaphrodite     Section 1     Section 2      Section 3Appendix 1Appendix 2

"What was probably her [Julia Ward Howe's] most unusual work has remained unpublished until now. The 'Laurence manuscript'—actually, manuscript fragments—has dwelt in literary limbo in a box in Harvard University's Houghton Library. Now the novel has been stitched together by Gary Williams. . . . and released as The Hermaphrodite with a revealing introduction."—Chronicle of Higher Education "The publication of the book is one of the most exciting developments in nineteenth-century American literary studies of the past decades. It parallels the recovery of many other works by women and writers of color, but because it is an intersexual text, it also brings a new voice and perspective into scholarly conversations. . . . Howe's writings are newly important. We are lucky that they are available to us."—Renée Bergland, Legacy "William's introduction to the volume contextualizes Howe's manuscript and provides fuel for interpretive thought."—Rebecca Resinski, Key Reporter "Scholars, teachers, and students of American studies are fortunate that Williams has edited, published, and introduced contemporary readers to Julia Ward Howe's Laurence manuscripts. The Hermaphrodite opens new perspectives on Julia Ward Howe. In this novel we hear the voice of the author as an important intellectual, and an astute critique of American culture who would later gain acclaim as an exemplary advocate for the rights of African Americans and women."—Laura Castor, American Studies in Scandinavia "The Hermaphrodite should be especially alluring to students of queer theory, since it has taken over a century and a half for the book to come out of the closet. . . . A historically relevant and enduring novel." —Liz Webster, CALYX: A Journal of Art and Literature by Women