Barbara Miller Solomon

Barbara Miller Solomon (1913-2002) was an American historian and educator known for her groundbreaking work on women's history and education. Her most influential book, "In the Company of Educated Women: A History of Women and Higher Education in America" (1985), became a foundational text in the field of women's educational history. As a faculty member and administrator at Harvard University, Solomon served as the first Director of Women's Studies at Harvard Extension School and was instrumental in documenting the experiences of women at the institution. She also authored "Pioneers in Service: The History of the Associated Jewish Philanthropies of Boston" (1956) and contributed extensively to scholarly journals. Solomon's research focused particularly on the period between 1870-1920, examining how women's access to higher education transformed American society and gender roles. Her work helped establish women's history as a legitimate field of academic study and provided crucial frameworks for understanding the evolution of female education in the United States. Through her academic career spanning over four decades, Solomon maintained strong connections between historical scholarship and contemporary educational policy. Her research continues to influence discussions about gender equity in education and the role of women in academic institutions.

Readers appreciate Solomon's thorough research and documentation in "In the Company of Educated Women," noting her clear presentation of women's educational history from colonial times through the 1980s. Comments on JSTOR and academic forums highlight her inclusion of primary sources and personal narratives that bring historical figures to life. What readers liked: - Detailed statistical data and demographic analysis - Focus on both institutional barriers and individual achievements - Balanced coverage of different socioeconomic classes and racial groups - Clear writing style accessible to non-academic readers What readers disliked: - Dense academic prose in certain chapters - Limited coverage of women's education post-1960 - Some readers wanted more analysis of specific institutions Ratings and Reviews: - Goodreads: 3.9/5 (42 ratings) - Google Books: 4/5 (limited reviews) - Most academic journal reviews from the 1980s rate it positively - Regular citations in contemporary works on educational history Note: Review data is limited as many of Solomon's works predate online review platforms.

Ancestors and Immigrants: A Changing New England Tradition (1956) A historical examination of how Boston Brahmins responded to increased immigration in the late 19th century, focusing on their efforts to preserve their cultural dominance.

In the Company of Educated Women: A History of Women and Higher Education in America (1985) A comprehensive study of women's experiences in American higher education from colonial times through the mid-20th century, examining both institutional policies and personal accounts.

Pioneers in Service: The History of the Associated Jewish Philanthropies of Boston (1956) A detailed account of Boston's Jewish charitable organizations and their development from the 1800s through the mid-20th century.

Black Empowerment: Social Work in Oppressed Communities (1976) An analysis of social work practices and their impact on African American communities, with emphasis on community organization and development.

Linda K. Kerber writes about women's roles in American history and the development of citizenship rights, focusing on the colonial through early republic periods. Her work examines legal and social frameworks that shaped women's experiences in ways similar to Solomon's research methods.

Mary Beth Norton studies gender relations and societal power structures in early American history. Her research covers women's political participation and social status during the colonial and revolutionary eras.

Nancy F. Cott explores feminism and gender in American history with emphasis on marriage, citizenship, and women's movements. Her work intersects with Solomon's focus on women's education and professional advancement in the twentieth century.

Helen Lefkowitz Horowitz examines cultural history with focus on women's higher education and campus life in America. Her research on college women's experiences complements Solomon's investigations of gender in academic settings.

Joyce Antler investigates Jewish women's history and the intersection of gender, education, and cultural identity in America. Her work shares Solomon's interest in how education transformed women's social and professional opportunities.