In 1900, Bacon published a collection of ten short stories inspired by her Smith experience, intending "to deepen...the rapidly growing conviction that the college girl is very much like any other girl." In addition to fiction for young people. others of her works dealt with more serious themes, particularly women's issues and women's roles in complex, contemporary society. She was a pioneer in the
Girl Scouts movement and compiled the guidebook used by that organization. Her books of poetry were well received by critics; as noted by one critic, some of her poetry was set to music. For example, she is credited for the lyrics used in
Hymn for Nations (also called
Hymn to Nations) set to the
Ode to Joy melodic theme of the Finale of the fourth movement of
Beethoven's Ninth, as recorded by
Paul Robeson,
Pete Seeger, and others. ==Personal life==