Not So Immaculately Conceived

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The book delves into the decline of personal, civil, and legal rights for British and American women during the late nineteenth century, despite earlier progress toward gender equality. It investigates how religious language, literature, and media shaped consumer-driven images of women amid societal changes. Central to the argument is the 1854 definition of the Immaculate Conception by the Catholic Church. The first half analyzes British authors like Dickens and Collins, while the second half shifts to American writers such as Twain and James, highlighting the ongoing influence of media and religion on gender roles.