Grace Greenwood's Career as a Writer, Performer, and Lecturer

The exhibit page seeks to showcase items related to Grace Greenwood as a writer, performer, and lecturer. It particularly focuses on Greenwood as a gossip columnist and speaks to how she dealt with intimate knowledge in her 'gossipy' aesthetics to emerge as a writer of unique style.

Below, you can find some letters which speak to Grace Greenwood's reputation as perceived by the Brownings. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's attitude toward Greenwood changes significantly after she meets the journalist. Initially, Browning believes Greenwood to be a scandal-mongering journalist who capitalizes on her social networks by publishing intimate stories. Browning grows fond of Greenwood, which she admits in her correspondence to various addressees. Eventually, the Brownings find themselves in one of Greenwood's books. It is, however, a "flaming" account of them.

Greenwood's correspondence with James T. Fields between 1848 and 1854, in which she repeatedly interferes with the editing and publishing process of her works, pushing him to do her favors, contribute material, advertise her works, etc. It is the time that she publishes her most-read works, Greenwood Leaves and Haps and Mishaps of a Tour in Europe. Greenwood sends or instructs Fields to send copies of her works to people that may write about the publications. She has a clear idea of what may help to increase her market value. In often witty but demanding letters, Greenwood advises Fields what to do next and requires him to work faster. The correspondence shows several ideas for the title of Greenwood Leaves and publication processes such as proof reading and copyright issues. The letters also elucidate who Greenwood admires or regularly corresponds with. In 1848, Greenwood is junior editor for The Lady's Book. Other publications mentioned are the Era, Little Pilgrim, Phrenological Journal, Philadelphia Post, Transcript, Saturday Evening Post, Daily Register, etc.