Inarticulate Longings explores the contradictions of a social agenda for women that promoted both traditional roles and the promises of a growing consumer culture by examining the advertising industry in the early 20th century.

Emma Hale (1804-1879) was born in Harmony. Pennsylvania to Isaac Hale (1763-1839) and Elizabeth Lewis (1767-1842). In 1827 she eloped and married Joseph Smith (1805-1844) who was the founder and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Emma became the mother of eleven children, five of whom lived to adulthood. She and Joseph moved often and suffered great persecution for their beliefs. After Joseph's martyrdom in 1844, Emma remained in Nauvoo and married Lewis Bidamon. She died in her home in 1879.

Samuel Longfellow, youngest brother of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is one of the least known protagonists of the 19th century. Abdo examines his social and theological contributions over the years.