Elizabeth Willing Powel: A Remarkable Woman at the Heart of the American Founding

"This biography of Elizabeth Powel--the woman who famously elicited from Benjamin Franklin in 1787 the iconic quotation "A republic if you can keep it" about the nature of the newly formed United States--offers scholars and the broader reading public alike the first comprehensive treatment of Powel, highlighting her political influence, economic acumen, and key social roles. Powel stood at the very center of the transatlantic network of individuals and events that created the United States; her multifaceted interactions with political luminaries and influential family members alike allowed her to become a central economic, social, and political player in the early republic. After her husband left her the entirety of his large estate, Powel spent 37 years as a widow, a feme sole, a legal status that allowed her to partake in economic dealings, political debates, and public organizations"-- Provided by publisher.