Faith Gartney's Girlhood was first published in 1862. It began as an 'uplifting' narrative for young girls (age 14-20 yrs old) as they grew into womanhood.

Written by Adeline Dutton Train Whitney (1824-1906), Faith Gartney's Girlhood has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. The book championed conservative values and shared the message that a woman's happiest place is in the home, which is the source of all goodness. The author was a staunch opponent of women's suffrage though never took part in public life.