Heroines of our time after 1860

Joseph Johnson's *Heroines of Our Time*, published in London, is a book portraying the lives of 'eminent women'. The title is suggestive of the Victorian era's preoccupation with defining and celebrating exemplary figures, particularly those who embodied specific moral virtues. This book presents a selection of women, likely from privileged backgrounds, whose lives were considered models of benevolence, truthfulness, and nobility. By examining the book's content, we can gain insight into the social values and gender expectations of the time. The emphasis on 'benevolent works' suggests a focus on women's roles in charitable activities and their contributions to social welfare, in contrast to other more 'masculine' pursuits like politics. The book's very existence reflects the growing public interest in women's lives and accomplishments, and is part of the nineteenth century's literary canon of women's writing. To truly understand this artwork, we would need to explore the publishing history of Darton and Co, as well as delve into biographies and social commentaries of the era to contextualize the book’s representation of women. In doing so, we can begin to understand the complex interplay between art, culture, and social change.