Few people are willing to admit that senior adults and young children share many common characteristics, including: (1) changes in development; (2) need for companionship; and (3) the desire to be understood. These two groups are connected mostly through direct interaction with middle-aged adults. One very practical way to build a greater sense of…

Examines the role of women's literary societies in the United States during the first half of the 17th century. The reading societies provided a space for intellectual growth, companionship, and support. They also created a pre-feminist role model of a literate and competent woman, the "learned woman." (MJP)