The Early Feminists - (Studies in Gender History) by Kathryn Gleadle (Hardcover)

About the Book

This study explores the radical unitarians' pioneering campaigns to elevate women's position and highlights their visionary commitment to a wider, humanitarian dream of establishing a more equal, more caring society.

Book Synopsis

This book redefines the origins of the women's rights campaigns in Britain. Contrary to the existing historiography, which argues that the Victorian Feminist movement began in the 1850s, this book, by bringing to light a wealth of unused sources, demonstrates that a vibrant community existed during the 1830s and 1840s. Previously neglected, this remarkable group of writers and reformers established both the ideologies and personnel network which provided the foundations of the women's rights campaigns of the coming decades.

From the Back Cover

This book redefines the origins of the nineteenth-century women's rights campaigns in Britain. Contrary to the existing historiography, which argues that the Victorian feminist movement began in the 1850s, this book, by bringing to light a wealth of unused sources, demonstrates that a vibrant feminist community existed during the 1830s and 1840s. Previously neglected, this remarkable group established both the ideologies and personnel networks which were to characterise the women's rights campaigns of the coming decades. Indeed, their thought and work remains a vital part of our women's rights heritage.

Review Quotes

"Lively and innovative."" --"Dorothy Thompson, "Times Higher Educational Supplement"


"Lively and innovative."" --Dorothy Thompson, "Times Higher Educational Supplement

About the Author

KATHRYN GLEADLE teaches history at the University of Warwick and is currently working on a text on nineteenth century women and a feminist anthology.