With her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, author and social activist Harriet Beecher Stowe popularized the anti-slavery movement in 1852. Stowe's work was a watershed moment in the abolitionist movement, bringing clarity to the cruel reality of slavery in an artistic style that encouraged many people to join anti-slavery activities. She used her fame as a writer to support antislavery efforts and to raise money for humanitarian causes. In addition to being one of the most published authors of all time, Stowe was also one of the first women to make a living solely through writing. Her novels were very successful and have been translated into almost every language known to man. Stowe began writing after the death of her husband, who was also her editor and friend. Seeking relief from the pain of loss, she turned her attention to topics that she felt could help others in a similar situation. Her first book was called Linwood: A Romance of Real Life. It was written in only 37 hours because Stowe wanted to get it out quickly so that she could earn some money. The book was well received by its audience and this inspired Stowe to continue writing. Uncle Tom's Cabin is regarded as one of the best-selling books of all time with over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone. It played an important role in helping to abolish slavery, not just in America but throughout all of Europe too.