My First Thirty Years

Gertrude Beasley's memoir, My First Thirty Years, published in 1925, offers a brutally honest account of her life as a woman on the frontier, challenging romanticized views of that era. Known for its fierce feminist perspective, the book chronicles Beasley's journey from a life of dependence to becoming a teacher, principal, and foreign correspondent, while passionately advocating for women's rights and social issues. Despite the immense scrutiny it faced, resulting in a ban and Beasley's mysterious disappearance, her story remains a powerful testament to resilience and the quest for freedom. This candid memoir, containing mature themes, is finally accessible for contemporary audiences.