Introduction

December 2008

She dwelt in a universe full of gods and heroes, dreams and visions. She lived according to the rules of both biting logic, and melting sympathy. She imagined a world where every woman would be allowed to think; where every human would be urged to realize his highest potential. She looked ever up – tread ever forward on her ascending path: and in her own being, she identified both the Muse, and Minerva; Emotion and the Intellect. In a time when American society consisted of the women’s sphere of quiet domesticity, and the men’s sphere of politics and power, Margaret Fuller possessed a realm all of her own.

My name is Rebecca Ann Fuller. I am Margaret’s great – great – great – great – great niece, the direct descendent of her brother Eugene. After years of patient research, I believe that I have gathered enough information to do my distant ancestor homage. I have endeavored to tell Margaret’s story through the eyes of those who knew her – and to describe her world as she saw it.

Let’s begin.