These profiles of 14 contemporary women activists who have sacrificed comfortable lives to fight publicly for their principles present moving, inspiring examples of individuals doing something concrete to control their lives and improve society. Part of a growing breed of independent women activists, they are working to protect their families and neighborhoods, oppose unsafe nuclear power, and challenge unsound corporate and government policies. "It's taken a long time to recognize the fact that women are the great organizers and activists...Here are the women, here is a teaching book and an engaing work."-Grace Paley