In Victorian England, Amelia B. Edwards was an iconic cultural figure, admired by Trollope and Browning for her best-selling fiction and by the wider public for her witty, thought-provoking travel writing. In later life, she became a celebrated historian, bringing fresh understanding of the world of Ancient Egypt to a fascinated public and founding the Egyptian Exploration Fund (Society).
This new biography uses previously overlooked sources to tell the story of her fascinating and unconventional life - her travels, travails and feminist activism - as well as touching on her occasionally problematic views on race. In appreciation of a figure ahead of her time, it examines her involvement in suffrage and animal rights societies as well as revealing new insights into Edwards' loving same-sex relationships with Ellen Rice Byrne and Lucy Renshaw. In doing so, it reveals a versatile, creative, witty, independent woman, and a true pioneer of her time.
In Victorian England, Amelia B. Edwards was an iconic cultural figure, admired by the public her best-selling fiction and for her witty, thought-provoking travel writing. In later life, she became a celebrated historian, bringing fresh understanding of Ancient Egypt to a fascinated public and founding the Egyptian Exploration Fund (Society).
Unearthing forgotten sources, this book tells the story of her unconventional life - her travels, travails and feminist activism. A figure ahead of her time, it examines her involvement in suffrage and animal rights and reveals new insights into Edwards' loving same-sex relationships with Ellen Rice Byrne and Lucy Renshaw.
'A beautifully written, well-researched, and an important recuperation of the fascinating life and work of the well-known Victorian explorer, novelist, and trailblazing queer writer, Amelia B. Edwards. You must get this book if you want to learn more about women's writing and travel.'