Ann Trow News Today

Moira Donegan on the books “The Trials of Madame Restell,” by Nicholas L. Syrett, and “Madame Restell,” by Jennifer Wright, about the titular abortion provider.

Our favorite titles of the year resurrect forgotten histories and illuminate how the United States ended up where it is today

Madame Restell, the notorious abortionist of 19th century New York City, is rebranded as a saint in a new book by Jennifer Wright.

Great-Grandma never paid attention to the word “no.”

The notorious Madame Restell lived large and fearlessly in a century not so far, far away.

“A bloody ending to a bloody life,” was the reaction of Anthony Comstock, an anti-vice activist, upon hearing the news.

Women's efforts were often ridiculed, or ignored, which explains why they’ve had to wage war for their equality, too. Helping amplify their voices is “The Women’s History of the Modern World: How Radicals, Rebels, and Everywomen Revolutionized the Last 200 Years.”