Mary Breckinridge

“Goan’s intimate narrative of the life of Mary Breckinridge is a well-written, intriguing story and a pleasure to read.” — Sandra Barney, Lock Haven University

“Although the Frontier Nursing Service was and is quite well known, its founder is less well known. Goan makes a convincing case for the importance of Breckinridge’s life, arguing that she was an influential innovator who was fully capable of attracting supporters and leading others.” — Joan E. Lynaugh, Professor Emerita in the School of Nursing, Director Emerita of the Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania

“Highly recommended.” — Midwest Book Review

“Highly recommended.” — CHOICE

“Well written and well researched. . . . Appropriate for scholars in the history of medicine, nursing, labor, and women and should be required reading for students in each of these disciplines. . . . Highly recommend[ed].” — Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

“Enmeshes the personal and public lives of this charismatic figure and brings her to life.” — Nursing Ethics

“Throughout her carefully documented book, Goan engages with the works of other scholars of nursing, women and reform, scientific medicine, and Appalachian studies.” — Journal of Southern History

“Goan provides a well-researched historical account that draws from numerous primary and secondary sources to describe Breckenridge’s successes and failings as a reformer.” — Journal of Appalachian Studies