Leading Ladies: American Trailblazers

In a series of skillfully drawn biographical portraits, United States senator and bestselling author Kay Bailey Hutchison examines the lives of sixty-three pioneers in military service, journalism, public health, social reform, science, and politics—all American women. From the courtroom to the halls of Congress, these female trailblazers have battled tremendous odds to achieve success—if not always recognition—in their respective fields. Senator Hutchison, a trailblazer herself, became the first woman from the state of Texas elected to the United States Senate.

Following in the footsteps of her bestselling book American Heroines, Senator Hutchison continues to celebrate female accomplishment in all walks of life. Whether committed to a chosen cause or thrust into a public role by personal circumstance, the women profiled in Leading Ladies have all woven thin threads of opportunity into sweeping tapestries of achievement. Without their spirit and perseverance, many of the obstacles they so daringly conquered might still remain in place today. Gerti Cori's Nobel Prize victory in 1947 enabled other female scientists like Rita Levi-Montalcini to pursue their own research interests. Pearl Buck's bestselling novels made it possible for authors like Amy Tan to expand the boundaries of the American literary canon even further. Susan B. Anthony's indefatigable efforts to win women the right to vote allowed Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Mary Bono, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao to eventually rise to some of the highest offices in the nation.

Mixing historical portraits with modern success stories, Senator Hutchison shows how American women from all periods of history have contributed to the strength and progress of our nation. With courage, purpose, and compassion, the women of Leading Ladies continue to blaze trails for thousands of American women to follow—and no history of the nation can be written without them.