Fighting the Current ─ The Rise of American Women's Swimming, 1870-1926

Bier, a librarian at Southern Connecticut State U., traces the history of early American women's swimming from 1870 to 1926. She discusses the need for safe and clean waters; barriers faced by women, from clothing to ideas about physical capabilities; the rise of private pools; swimming schools and teacher Kate Bennett; early public baths and pools; swimming as entertainment, including women's races; the rise of the amateur movement; international efforts covered in American newspapers, including the achievements of Annette Kellerman; the water-safety movement and the Volunteer Life Saving Corps and women who were involved; female racers such as Elaine Golding and Rose Pitonof; the National Women's Life Saving League; Olympic and amateur competitions; the New York Women's Swimming Association; and how Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel, which is related in several chapters. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Lisa Bier is a librarian at Southern Connecticut State University.