A Midwife’s Tale

The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812

De: Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Narrado por: Susan Ericksen

Drawing on the diaries of one woman in 18th-century Maine, this intimate history illuminates the medical practices, household economies, religious rivalries, and sexual mores of the New England frontier.

Between 1785 and 1812, a midwife and healer named Martha Ballard kept a diary that recorded her arduous work (in 27 years she attended 816 births) as well as her domestic life in Hallowell, Maine. On the basis of that diary, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich gives us an intimate and densely imagined portrait, not only of the industrious and reticent Martha Ballard but of her society. At once lively and impeccably scholarly, A Midwife's Tale is a triumph of history on a human scale.

©1990 Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (P)2017 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A truly talented historian unravels the fascinating life of a community that is so foreign, and yet so similar to our own." ( New York Times)

A cherished slice of history

As an 18th century living historian, to have this documentation is priceless. Yes hard to follow at times, Some wording is not in the modern words we currently know. Excellent reference book for anyone with a love of 18th century New England.

Excellent book and recording

This is very well written and researched. I live in Maine so enjoyed the history of my local area. If you have any interest in history at all, you will enjoy this. I’m now planning on taking a trip to fort western! I learned of this book when I gave up on listening to the historical inaccuracies in the book the Frozen River. I was thinking to myself Martha Ballard, cannot be like this, or think this way. That book is utter clap trap. Thankfully someone mentioned this book. Her diary and the author’s writing really bring her character to life. A+++

The diary itself

I don't necessarily agree with the authors interpretation of what Martha was going through while her husband was in jail. From the diary notes, it seems it was a very difficult time for her, and I think maybe her family should have jumped in and helped a little more.
I enjoyed the story, although a little boring at times, for the most part it was very informative.

Historical detail

I first came across the novel “The Frozen River,” by Ariel Lawhon featuring Martha Ballard which was engaging but seemed highly unrealistic. Wanting to know more about Martha’s work as a midwife it was a pleasant surprise to come find Laurel Ulrich’s book. If you have a particular interest in early American lives, early American medicine or midwifery this book might be for you. Martha’s non-emotional, methodical accounting of her cases is a testament to the logical and perhaps scientific turn of her mind.

Informative history

I can’t believe this woman’s diary almost never came to be published! This was such a great history of early America and New England. I was surprised that a lot of the conservative ideas we have about this time were false. Children born out of wedlock were common and this did not mean ostracization of women or those children.

The historical accuracy

Particularly liked the historical presentation and explanation of how diary was annotated. As a care giver myself this was helpful in seeing the character develop and grow in her practice. Wonderful history of how modern obstetrical practice has changed yet remains the same.

The details she wrote

The travel she endured for her patients, She was dedicated and a value to the community.

Riveting look at new england life

Love the diary, the research and context and overall story developed. Well read. Deeper understanding in what drives New England culture today in the context of it's history through the ryes of an incredible woman.

Wow! What a history lesson! Martha was amazing.

I loved the consistent detail and snapshot into the lives of this community and especially a woman of this time period. Recommend!!

Insights into 18th C life worth initial profusion of dense detail.

Ulrich’s contextualization of Martha Ballard’s life and times is a virtuoso interweaving of hundreds of related primary source and a rich, deep understanding of the time period. I found the minutiae a bit dense at times, but the narrative payoff was well worth a bit of patience. I was fascinated by the analysis of 18th century courtship, marriage, religion, physical and sexual assault, murder, suicide, legal structures, debtors prison, etc. And then there is the midwifery!