Savion reveals the life of Matilda Joslyn Gage, suffragist and radical thinker
- Susan A. Savion has published a biography focusing on Matilda Joslyn Gage, a key yet often overlooked suffragist.
- The book emphasizes Gage's radical views and significant contributions to women's rights and social justice.
- Savion invites readers to reflect on Gage's legacy and continue advocating for equality and justice.
On December 2, 2024, in Chula Vista, California, author Susan A. Savion released an insightful biography of Matilda Joslyn Gage, who was a significant yet often overlooked figure in the women’s suffrage movement. The book, titled Quoting Matilda: The Words and History of a Forgotten Suffragist, has been published by PageTurner Press and Media. The biography introduces readers to Gage's life as an activist, author, and lecturer. Gage was known for her progressive ideologies concerning women's rights, Native American rights, and the concept of the separation of church and state. Despite her crucial contributions, her legacy is frequently overshadowed by more recognized suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Savion's work addresses the marginalization of Gage’s radical views, providing context to her life that often gets omitted in mainstream historical narratives. The biography includes a thoughtful curation of Gage's own words, illustrating her visionary ideas on freedom, equality, and justice. Featuring significant quotes, each chapter opens with a thematic statement that guides readers through Gage's contributions to social reform, encouraging reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality. Savion is an experienced educator and author of several resource books aimed at teachers, and her own dedication to social justice is evident in her portrayal of Gage's life. Raised near Highland, Illinois, she has always been active in organizations promoting women's rights and environmental causes. Her personal connection to the subject matter enhances the reader's understanding and appreciation of Gage’s legacy. Overall, Quoting Matilda has received positive reviews, with critics describing it as an eye-opening account of Gage's impact on the women's movement. The book also features historic photographs that transport the audience to the time when Gage was fighting for rights that are now more widely recognized. By highlighting Gage’s passionate advocacy, Savion urges contemporary readers to continue the struggle for equality, aligning with Gage's belief that 'Woman is a glorious possibility, the youngest-born of God’s creatures.'