Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

American Women Leaders, 1,560 Current Biographies. Carol Hooks Hawkins. 406p. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2009. 978-0-7864-3847-1; 2008-37474. $95.

One of the author’s motivations in creating this compilation of biographies of successful American women was to identify women who might serve as role models for American children. Therefore her scope includes individuals who have achieved positions of leadership in a variety of fields and many who have been the first women in their professions or positions. That said, the criteria for inclusion are a bit vague. Of the professions represented, judges are by far the most numerous, followed by other government and elected officials. These are well complemented by selected military leaders, astronauts, law enforcement and public health officials. Most of the other women in this collection have achieved notoriety as executives and managers in education or business. The scope includes members of the aerospace, communications, entertainment, media, sports, technology and retail industries. However, coverage is selective for all of these fields. Notably missing are women who have proved successful in the arts, including music, acting, direction and literature. Science, too, is under-represented. Considering the high proportion of entries for women in government, this volume might have been better focused and marketed as a guide to women in those fields. Nonetheless, Hawkins consistently provides succinct, but detailed portraits on each of her subjects. The data generally includes place of birth, education, field of training, positions of responsibility and current activities. Most entries are illustrated with a portrait photograph. Coverage is limited to currently active professionals. The arrangement is alphabetical by name with appendices listing entries by occupation and state or country of birth. The volume does provide students with many excellent role models, but for adults the guide functions as a useful directory to women managers in business and government.