Miriam Squire's beauty and charm aroused much admiration in the social world of Washington in 1860. But she would arouse a different kind of notice in later years by entering a world where women were neither welcome nor thought capable. She accepted the challenge of editing a leading magazine in New York City at a time when the publishing industry was exclusively a man's domain. Her career spanned five decades and earned her the undisputed title of "The Empress of Journalism."

At fourteen she published her first newspaper article, and by the time she was twenty-five she was already a successful editor with the Frank Leslie chain of magazines. As the only woman in publishing Miriam ran into ridicule and opposition from colleagues and rivals alike. But she challenged these prejudices with a rare combination of talent, courage and resourcefulness.

As the wife of Frank Leslie she helped him build one of the biggest publishing empires in the world. Among their famous magazines were Leslie's Illustrated Week, Chimney Corner, Lady's Magazine, Popular Monthly, Boys' & Girls' Weekly, and many more, and they were among the first to publish paperbacks.

A major crisis occured in Miriam's life when Frank died and an economic depression threatened to wipe out his publishing house. Against incredible odds and ruthless competition, Miriam performed the prodigious task of saving the entire chain of magazines. Taking her husband's name as a badge of honor, she brilliantly scooped her rivals on such important stories as the assasination of President Garfield.

The story of Mrs. Frank Leslie is one of courage, vitality and pride in her own accomplishments that opened the door to and changed the role of women in the world of business. It is also a fascinating picture of the world of publishing in the 19th century.

From the dust jacket