Harriet Martineau

Classic biography, first published in 1884, from the series "Famous Women". According to Wikipedia: "Harriet Martineau (12 June 1802 – 27 June 1876) was an English social theorist and Whig writer, often cited as the first female sociologist. Martineau wrote more than 50 books and is significant to the discipline of sociology, not least in having translated various writings of Auguste Comte, but also through her holistic perspective that 'When one studies a society, one must focus on all its aspects, including key political, religious, and social institutions'. She also believed an analysis of a society should be required to have an understanding of women's lives. Martineau changed sociological opinions on issues previously ignored, such as marriage, children, domestic and religious life, and race relations.”