Women of Catholicity

What it is

This is a book by Anna T. Sadlier, published in 1885, containing memoirs of several Catholic women, including Isabella of Castile, Margaret O'Carroll, Margaret Roper, Marie de l'Incarnation, Marguerite Bourgeoys, and Ethan Allen's daughter.

Why it matters

Written nearly four centuries after Isabella's death, this is a secondary account shaped by the author's interest in presenting notable Catholic women as moral examples. It shows how Isabella was remembered and used as an inspirational figure in religious writing of the late 19th century, rather than offering direct historical evidence from her own time.

Look closer

• Why might an author in the 1880s choose to write about Isabella alongside other Catholic women?
• What might this book emphasize about Isabella, and what might it leave out?
• How is a memoir like this different from a letter or document written by Isabella herself?