Dangerous to Know: Women, Crime, and Notoriety in the Early Republic

Dive into the scandalous and captivating world of early 19th-century America with "Dangerous to Know: Women, Crime, and Notoriety in the Early Republic" by Susan Branson. This illustrated paperback delves into the interconnected lives of two extraordinary women: Ann Carson, the subject of a sensational memoir, and Mary Clarke, her ghostwriter and a scandalous writer in her own right. In 1823, "The History of the Celebrated Mrs. Ann Carson" exploded onto the Philadelphia scene, becoming an instant bestseller fueled by tales of illicit love, betrayal, and even murder. Ann Carson, a woman desperate to save her lover from the hangman's noose and bold enough to attempt kidnapping the governor of Pennsylvania, became a figure of public fascination and condemnation. But behind Carson's scandalous story lies another intriguing figure: Mary Clarke. As Carson's ghostwriter, Clarke was not merely a scribe, but a daring woman who navigated the fringes of society. Branson paints a portrait of Clarke as a woman who fearlessly immersed herself in the underbelly of the city, associating with criminals, actors, and other disreputable characters. She transformed these experiences into sensational exposes, carving out a career as a writer who dared to expose the dark secrets of the time. Susan Branson's "Dangerous to Know" goes beyond a simple retelling of scandalous events. It offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of gender and class in the early American republic. Through the lives of Carson and Clarke, Branson illuminates the constraints placed upon women in a patriarchal society and explores the innovative ways in which these women challenged and manipulated the prevailing social, economic, and sexual ideologies to achieve their own ambitions. Branson masterfully reconstructs the historical context, drawing on primary sources and offering a fresh perspective on the roles available to women in early America. This book explores the complex interplay of societal expectations, personal desires, and the burgeoning public sphere. It examines how Carson and Clarke, through their actions and their words, redefined the boundaries of what was considered acceptable and possible for women in the early republic. They were, in essence, pioneers in navigating a world that sought to confine them, and their stories continue to resonate today. "Dangerous to Know" is not just a historical account; it's a gripping narrative about two unforgettable women who dared to defy convention and leave their mark on a rapidly changing nation. This book is perfect for readers interested in women's history, American history, crime, biography, and the social and cultural dynamics of the 19th century. Prepare to be enthralled by the lives and legacies of Ann Carson and Mary Clarke. With 200 pages, published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 2011, this illustrated edition provides a rich and compelling exploration of two extraordinary lives.