Godey’s Lady Book was a popular 19th century American women’s magazine, featuring literature, art, fashion, and music. Editor Sara Josepha Hale showcased American writing talent and protected all material, leading to the magazine’s success until 1898. While often traditionalist, it advanced the attention of female writers and was marketed to husbands and fathers. The magazine remained silent on Civil War topics and was missed by Southern women for fashion information.
If today’s women feel they can’t do without their monthly magazines, be it Vogue, Oprah or Good Housekeeping, they would surely understand the great thrill of 19th century American women when they get their Godey’s Lady book every month. In her time, and despite its high subscription price of three US dollars (USD) a year, it was the most popular magazine, titled the “queen of monthlies”. It featured literature, art, poetry, the latest in fashion and music (with dress patterns and sheet music), as well as a beautiful hand-colored nameplate on each magazine.
Louis Godey started the magazine, in 1830. In 1837 Godey acquired Sara Josepha Hale’s Ladies Magazine and Literary Gazette. He offered Hale the position of editor, which would allow her to stay in Boston. The mother of four accepted the proposition, and Godey’s Lady Book was born again, with significant influence from Hale.
In the late 1830s, Godey’s Mrs. Book was very popular and featured many unique details. It was not the first women’s magazine and followed the trends of many popular British magazines. However, Hale was extremely committed to showcasing American writing talent, and many recognizable names in literature provided material for Godey’s Lady’s Book including Edgar Allan Poe, who became an avid supporter of Godey’s and Hale’s efforts.
A distinctive feature that stands out in the history of the magazine is Godey’s decision to protect all material. This infuriated the smaller publishers, since they weren’t allowed to steal material from Godey’s Lady’s Book for their own publications. Some publishers felt that copyrighting material was a selfish act and predicted the magazine’s rapid demise. This prediction would prove false, and the magazine would reign supreme until 1898, with Hale serving as editor for 40 years.
Three times a year, the magazine featured issues showcasing the talents of female writers alone. While the magazine was often traditionalist in nature, feminist literary critics are inclined to point to the periodical as a fantastic avenue to advance the attention of female writers during the 19th century. However, Hale also marketed the magazine to husbands and fathers, as she would further the education of women, only insofar as they would make better wives or mothers as a result of reading.
Godey’s Lady’s Book remained silent on Civil War topics, but it is unclear how many subscriptions to the magazine would reach Southerners, especially in areas hardest hit by the war. Margaret Mitchell in Gone with the Wind refers to Southern women suffering from lack of fashion information as they could not get their favorite fashion magazine.
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