Chrystal Macmillan, 1872-1937 - (Scottish Women Making History) by Helen Kay & Rose Pipes

About the Book

Tells the the life and work of Chrystal Macmillan 1872-1937- suffragist, barrister, campaigner for peace and human rights

Book Synopsis

This historical biography of Chrystal Macmillan, one of Scotland's most prominent campaigners for women's equality, justice and peace in the early twentieth century, is the first account of her life and work.
It describes her early life in a comfortable home in Edinburgh, her school and university years in Scotland, and her rise to prominence as the main appellant in the 'Scottish Women Graduates' Case' when it went to appeal in the House of Lords.
She was an important figure in the suffrage movement both in Scotland, and in England where she lived from 1913, becoming influential in several national and international women's organisations. She used her legal skills and training to scrutinise, draft and suggest amendments to legislation that had direct impact on women's lives, including their right to their own nationality, to become members of the legal profession and to be treated equally with men in the workplace.
In 1915 she was an organiser of the International Women's Congress at The Hague, which urged political leaders to use mediation to stop the war. In 1924, she qualified as a barrister in London and was active on the Western Circuit and London courts. Although she left no diary, the recollections of friends, obituaries and memorials provide a vivid image of a woman of considerable ability, commitment and courage.

Review Quotes

Always, women have shaped and formed history but almost never the narrative that describes it. This book is a reminder of the dogged brilliance of our foremothers in creating a future from the past. Thanks to Helen Kay and Rose Pipes for bringing Chrystal back to life.--Madeleine Rees, OBE, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)

At last! This meticulously researched and sympathetically written book illuminates the life and considerable achievements of Chrystal Macmillan - suffragist, pacifist, skilled political lobbyist, pioneering lawyer and builder of feminist institutions. This inspirational figure -that you likely have not heard about - was neither 'flamboyant not militant' but she was a hugely consequential feminist protagonist in the struggle for women's citizenship, equality and peace in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries in Scotland, the UK, Europe and internationally. Helen Kay and Rose Pipes' book tackles this neglect. It spans Chrystal's early life, key episodes in her life's work as a campaigner on the domestic and international stage, to her premature death in the 1930s. They have painstakingly pieced together - sometimes from scant historical sources - a compelling narrative; a narrative which animates and gives voice to Chrystal not only as feminist of historic importance but also as a three-dimensional character: inspirational, cautious, high-handed, strategic, mischievous, and brave. This lively and scholarly book is an excellent addition to the history of feminist political and social activism.--Fiona Mackay, University of Edinburgh