Free Lover: Sex, Marriage and Eugenics in the Early Speeches of Victoria Woodhull

"Free Lover: Sex, Marriage and Eugenics in the Early Speeches of Victoria Woodhull" delves into the radical ideals and turbulent life of Victoria Woodhull, a pioneer of gender equality and free love. As the first female Wall Street broker, Woodhull shattered 19th-century societal norms with her audacious speeches and controversial publications. The book captures a moment in history when Woodhull, in a November 20, 1871 speech, boldly declared her right to love freely, challenging the conventional boundaries of marriage and sparking widespread debate. Her vision extended beyond personal freedom to propose a society where the state played a central role in child-rearing and women were compensated for their role in childbirth, reflecting a utopian yet contentious blueprint for social reform. This narrative not only highlights her fight for gender equality but also touches on racial justice, drawing a vivid picture of a woman far ahead of her time. Published on December 2, 2005, this book is an essential read for those in adult education, providing a deep understanding of the intersections of social justice, gender, and race through the lens of an extraordinary leader.