Representing fifty distinguished American women writers, this collection of autobiographical narratives reflects the diverse intersections of race, class, religion, and sexual identity as they have been experienced in every region of the United States over the course of the twentieth century. The selections showcase the common experiences of women writers as children, daughters, wives, lovers, mothers, artists, travelers, and intellectuals; together they form a moving cultural history of the United States form a moving cultural history of the United States from a female perspective. Among the different voices of these accomplished prose stylists, one hears a common note of humor and irreverence, and the ring of conviction and confidence that comes from a well-forged identity.