Eleanor Rathbone
- Johanna Alberti - Freelance Feminist Historian
Johanna Alberti outlines and explores the development of Eleanor Rathbone's ideas presenting them in the political and intellectual context of her time - a period of major change for women. Beginning with a survey of Eleanor Rathbone's personal and ideological heritage, the text goes on to examine her move from philanthropy to political action, her ideas on suffrage, and her astute approach to questions of equality and difference. The book also considers the impetus behind her entry into parliament, the way she expressed and shaped her ideas within a parliamentary setting, her involvement in Indian affairs, and finally her passionate commitment to the cause of refugees.
`Alberti utilizes Rathbone's life and work to elucidate major historical debates concerning conflicting notions of feminism, British feminist involvement in maintaining colonial hegemony, and the relationship between women and patriotism' - Journal of Women's History
`Alberti's closing sentence is worth quoting: "As we move into the future, her tireless determination and her faith in the contribution which women can make to society are a welcome antidote to the discourses of cynicism and despair". I can't argue with that. Bravo to Eleanor Rathbone and to the accomplished interpreter of her ideas, Johanna Alberti!' - Women's Philosophy Review
