A review of this historical diary and the author's commentary are presented in five pages. Two sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: AM2_PPmidwif.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
"A Midwifes Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812" is a
window into the life of a relatively obscure woman in central Maine in the years surrounding the turn of the nineteenth century. Based on Martha Ballards diary, this book
provides an excellent insight into everyday life during this time period. In its original form, however, the document lacked substantial connection to the outside world. Ballards writing style
was very abbreviated and punctated. Author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, however, transforms the concise daily entries into a work which is replete with historical as well as social significance.
Ulrich masterfully connects Ballards writings with the public record of the time to reveal Ballards extensive interaction with the country village of Hallowell Maine and the interconnectivity of that village
with the young republic of the United States. Ballards writings unveil religion and society, class, and economic factors which interact to
shape life at the village of Hallowell. Ulrichs insight coupled with Ballards simple observations also allow an analysis of the gender relationships which existed in this time and even
the incidence of domestic violence. The impacts which are revealed throughout Ballards diary which are attributable to the Industrial Revolution itself. It serves as a record of the
beginning of modern medicine as well as other important transitions of the time. This diary is perceived by many, however, as unworthy of significant attention. Taylor (2002, PG)
notes that other historians have considered it only a: "repetitive and cryptic diary. Full of