Tenney, Tabitha (1762–1837)

American anthologist and writer. She remains known chiefly for her two-volume novel, Female Quixotism: Exhibited in the Romantic Opinions and Extravagant Adventures of Dorcasina Sheldon (1801), a satire on literary tastes and an expression of American intellectual independence. In 1799 she published The Pleasing Instructor, an anthology of poetry and selections from classical writers intended to improve the character and conduct of young women; no copies have survived.

Tenney was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, and was raised in a Puritanical, bookish, and secluded atmosphere in a noted New Hampshire family.