Historic Humanist Series

American feminist and writer, best known for her book Women and Economics (1898), which has become a feminist classic. She was born Charlotte Anna Perkins in Hartford, Connecticut. She was educated at the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a teacher and commercial artist before devoting herself to feminism.

Women and Economics denounces women's financial dependence on men and supports day-care programs and cooperative kitchens. These ideas are explored further in Gilman's books Concerning Children (1900), The Home (1903), and Human Work (1904). Gilman founded the journal Forerunner (1909-16), in which she published feminist stories and articles. She also lectured extensively on women's rights and other social issues.

Gilman's other writings include "The Yellow Wallpaper" (1892), an account of her experience with depression; In This Our World (1893), a collection of poetry; The Man-made World (1911); and His Religion and Hers (1923).

--Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia