Across God's Frontiers: Catholic Sisters in the American West, 1850-1920
"Highly recommended. All levels/libraries."--Choice"Butler traces how sisters challenged and reconfigured contemporary ideas about women, work, religion, and the West."--American Catholic Studies Newsletter"A celebration of the intrepid spirit of sisters who established ministries of the frontier."--Conscience"A fascinating inside look at the sisters' encounter with the West."--Great Plains Quarterly"Raises important questions about the interaction of Catholics with the physical and cultural geography of the [American West] region, and the ways in which that interaction contributed to the emergence of an 'American' Catholic people."--Catholic Historical Review"There are few richer historical veins to tap than the geographic range and subject of this book."--American Benedictine Review"Cogently argued and elegantly written. . . .Across God's Frontierswill call deserved attention to the contributions of vowed women to both their church and their region."--The History of Women Religious"It will be difficult to imagine the American West or the Roman Catholic sisterhood the same way after reading this book.Across God's Frontiersis driven by Butler's extensive and impressive archival research, brought to life by sonorous prose that renders it a joy to read. The end result is a valuable contribution to western history, gender history, and Catholic history that deserves a wide audience."--American Historical Review"A deeply researched and eloquently argued study. . . . Opens up new ways to think about the work of Catholic sisters on the frontier."--Utah Historical Quarterly"This prodigious undertaking is the culmination of Butler's many years of research and articles devoted to the topic. . . . The author's broad-based use of the too-often ignored lives and archives of women religious is to be applauded. . . . Others, hopefully, will follow [her] lead."--Oregon Historical Quarterly"This book is grand on many different levels."--Journal of American History"The women religious of the American West have found their voice in this book. Based on research in dozens of congregational archives,Across God's Frontiersis an exceptional work of research and analysis. One can only hope--perhaps pray is a better word--that the history of women religious in other regions of the country will find a scholar as diligent and thoughtful as Anne Butler." --The Annals of Iowa"It is impossible not to admireAcross God's Frontiers. Butler's meticulous research and deft analysis will earn her high praise from her peers in American women's, Western, and religious history."--American Catholic Studies Newsletter"Anyone interested in the history of American religion, Catholicism, women, education, race relations or cultural development should read this book."--America Magazine"Butler has called attention to yet another strand of the West's complex mix of peoples and cultures."--H-SHGAPE"Across God's Frontierslivens up with its tales of courageous women and its forthright analysis of gender politics."--Tucson Weekly