Christabel Pankhurst: A Biography (Women's and Gender History)

Book Details

• Author: June Purvis

• Publisher: Routledge

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9780815371496

• Number of Pages: 590

• Release Date: 18-01-2018

• Language: English

About The Book

Christabel Pankhurst, co-leader of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), alongside her mother, Emmeline Pankhurst, was a pivotal figure in the fight for women's suffrage in early 20th-century Britain. Known for her powerful oratory and militant tactics, Christabel breathed new life into the suffragette movement, inspiring thousands of women to demand their democratic rights. As a First Class Honours graduate in Law, she was a determined and charismatic leader, advocating for radical actions that challenged traditional expectations of women in society.

This biography provides a comprehensive and nuanced view of Christabel’s life and legacy. Drawing on feminist biography techniques and a wealth of previously untapped primary sources, it examines her leadership of the WSPU, her tactical genius in the suffrage campaign, and her efforts to engage women in war work during World War I. The biography also delves into her post-suffrage years, including her unsuccessful parliamentary bid in 1918, and her later career in the USA as a Second Adventist preacher.

This is the first full-length biography of Christabel Pankhurst in forty years, offering an in-depth look at her role in the militant wing of the suffrage movement and her enduring influence in the fight for women's rights. Through feminist lenses, it situates her within a supportive network of female friendships, shedding light on her significant but often overlooked contributions to history.