Ladies of Influence: Women of the Elite in Interwar Britain
by A. Susan Williams | History | This book has not been rated.
ISBN: 0140276548 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 0140276548 Global Overview for this book
2 journalers for this copy...
From the back:
"In the years between the wars most women were only starting to taste the first fruits of power. Although universal suffrage in 1928 gave them electoral equality, society was still very much a man's world. But for aristocratic and upper-class women, there were other channels of influence.
Here are seven pioneering women who used their wealth, privilege and connections to take on the world, making changes in politics, culture and social reform. Lady Londonderry's relationship with Ramsay MacDonald influenced national affairs, Lady Baldwin, wife of the Prime Minister, campaigned tirelessly for pain relief in childbirth, while Viscountess Milner used her editorship of the National Review to warn readers against Hitler. Lady Grigg, wife of the Governor of Kenya, opposed female circumcision and founded one of the largest maternity hospitals in Africa, and the Duchess of Atholl, the first Conservative woman minister, became known as 'The Red Duchess' for her outspoken views on Republican Spain. Outrageous Nancy Cunard was a passionate voice against racism, and Stella Reading created the Women's Voluntary Service, which was vital to the war effort."
"In the years between the wars most women were only starting to taste the first fruits of power. Although universal suffrage in 1928 gave them electoral equality, society was still very much a man's world. But for aristocratic and upper-class women, there were other channels of influence.
Here are seven pioneering women who used their wealth, privilege and connections to take on the world, making changes in politics, culture and social reform. Lady Londonderry's relationship with Ramsay MacDonald influenced national affairs, Lady Baldwin, wife of the Prime Minister, campaigned tirelessly for pain relief in childbirth, while Viscountess Milner used her editorship of the National Review to warn readers against Hitler. Lady Grigg, wife of the Governor of Kenya, opposed female circumcision and founded one of the largest maternity hospitals in Africa, and the Duchess of Atholl, the first Conservative woman minister, became known as 'The Red Duchess' for her outspoken views on Republican Spain. Outrageous Nancy Cunard was a passionate voice against racism, and Stella Reading created the Women's Voluntary Service, which was vital to the war effort."
I've had this book for years, probably bought it when I lived in the UK from 1998 to 2002, but haven't gotten into reading it until now - for FeistyPom2Love's International Women's Day Book Exchange. And I'm glad I finally read it as it is an interesting story of seven formidable, yet very different ladies.
The chapters I liked best - for one reason or another - concentrated on Countess Baldwin, Lady Grigg and Nancy Cunard. Lucy Baldwin fought for pain relief in childbirth, a cause not too foreign even in these days. Joan Grigg, who was the wife of the Governor of Kenya, campaigned against female genital mutilation, another cause still as current as ever. Nancy Cunard was an interesting, and controversial, character who fought racism, ran a publishing house and wrote herself too.
I'm glad historians are becoming more and more interested in women's efforts too. History's been a male domain for far too long.
The chapters I liked best - for one reason or another - concentrated on Countess Baldwin, Lady Grigg and Nancy Cunard. Lucy Baldwin fought for pain relief in childbirth, a cause not too foreign even in these days. Joan Grigg, who was the wife of the Governor of Kenya, campaigned against female genital mutilation, another cause still as current as ever. Nancy Cunard was an interesting, and controversial, character who fought racism, ran a publishing house and wrote herself too.
I'm glad historians are becoming more and more interested in women's efforts too. History's been a male domain for far too long.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Off to bookwormkt in England as part of the International Women's Day Book Exchange. Happy reading!
Off to bookwormkt in England as part of the International Women's Day Book Exchange. Happy reading!
What a treat to come home from work and find a beautifully wrapped parcel from Annimanni! This book looks really interesting. Love the bookmarks and look forward to having a nice cup of scented tea!
Thank you so much, Annimanni!
Thank you so much, Annimanni!
