Elaine Weiss’ new book Spell Freedom receives critical praise

Award-winning journalist and critically acclaimed author ELAINE WEISS WEISS’s powerful new book Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement follows four courageous activists who risked everything to restore voting rights to Black Americans and defend the Constitution.   

Literary leaders and historians champion Spell Freedom as, “powerful, intimate, and enlightening… a must read for anyone interested in race, history, politics, and education.” (Keisha N. Blain, co-editor of the #1 New York Times bestseller Four Hundred Souls). Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Eig calls it, “A beautifully crafted and dramatic tale … a brilliant book that illuminates not only the past but also a path forward.”

In her talks, Weiss brings history to life, connecting the lessons of the past to today’s national challenges. She inspires audiences to see how ordinary individuals can create extraordinary change, making her presentations essential for schools, organizations, and communities seeking insight into creating a stronger society.

Watch Elaine Weiss's keynote at the East Tennessee History Center >>

Women’s History Month: Acclaimed author Elaine Weiss receives glowing feedback for her talks on the women’s suffrage movement

While it is important to honor the legacy and achievements of women throughout the year, author ELAINE WEISS offers empowering presentations that align perfectly for a meaningful Women’s History Month program. A gifted historian, Weiss illuminates conversations about the women’s political organizing – past and present – and unpacks the modern relevance of the 19^th Amendment for audiences of all kinds. Drawing on her acclaimed books The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote and Fruits of Victory, Weiss has enraptured groups from The Library of Congress to the American Bar Association, from the New York Historical Society and the Chautauqua Institution to the Nashville Public Library.

For her engaging and insightful presentations, Weiss consistently receives standing ovations and glowing feedback, such as:

• “We have received such wonderful feedback from our clients and internal participants. The conversation was engaging and insightful – we could have carried on the discussion for another hour. Elaine was wonderful and we hope to work with her again in the future!” (Latham & Watkins Law)
• “She was simply stupendous. Her address tied in so nicely with the themes of the day. Moreover, Elaine ended up spending the entire day with us – answering questions, signing books, and interacting with our other guests. And, of course, her book is marvelous.” (Iowa State University)
• “I have heard nothing but absolute rave reviews about Elaine’s speech at the banquet. She did an amazing job of bringing the history of the League to life and connecting it with our organization today. I was truly impressed!” (League of Women Voters of the United States)

Elaine Weiss, author of 'The Woman's Hour', delivers engaging talks about the power of civic engagement, past and present

Award-winning journalist and the author of the highly acclaimed narrative non-fiction book The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight for the Vote, ELAINE WEISS is in demand for her informative and engaging books talks. Her presentations, including the Princeton Public Library, Marine Biological Laboratory, Chautauqua Institution, and Library of Congress incorporate both visuals and a deep dive into her work, which sheds illuminating light on politics and women's rights today. Weiss is also a frequent media commentator, appearing on CBS Sunday Morning, PBS, NPR, and C-Span. Elaine has an innate ability to connect with any group and clearly explain the direct relevance of history’s most controversial issues.

The Women's Hour has been hailed as a "riveting, nail-biting political thriller" with powerful parallels to the current political environment. Weiss’s powerful words will also come to life on the small screen, as Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television has optioned the rights with Hillary Clinton attached as an Executive Producer. In remarks that are empowering and eye-opening, Weiss inspires audiences with conversations about what it takes to make social and political change, the power of civic engagement, and the struggle over voting rights, past and present. Rave reviews include “Elaine did an amazing job of bringing the history to life and connecting it with our organization today” (Women's League of Voters) and “In this crazy world we live in, we need more people like [Elaine] inspiring others to be good people!” (The Tennessee Municipal League)