Subject
Women -- Great Britain -- Biography Books
Best books
Eleanor A. (Eleanor Anne) Ormerod
Eleanor Ormerod, LL. D., Economic Entomologist : Autobiography and Correspondence
"Eleanor Ormerod, LL. D., Economic Entomologist: Autobiography and Correspondence," edited by Robert Wallace, is an autobiographical account written in the early 20th century. This work details the life and experiences of Eleanor Ormerod, a pioneering figure in economic entomology, a field focused on the study of insects and their effects on agriculture. The book serves as both a personal memoir and a correspondence collection, reflecting Ormerod's dedication to her scientific work and the relationships she cultivated throughout her career. The beginning of the autobiography provides an insightful glimpse into Ormerod's early life, detailing her family background at Sedbury Park in Gloucestershire, her childhood experiences, and initial interests in natural history, particularly in entomology. Noteworthy are her vivid recollections of formative moments, such as her fascination with flowers and insects, early education at home under her mother, and her family's engagement with the surrounding natural world. This opening section establishes a foundation for understanding how Ormerod's upbringing and personal observations shaped her future contributions to economic entomology and her eventual rise to prominence in this scientific field.
Millicent Garrett Fawcett
Some Eminent Women of Our Times: Short Biographical Sketches
"Some Eminent Women of Our Times: Short Biographical Sketches" by Mrs. Henry Fawcett is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The work aims to highlight the contributions of notable women who have significantly impacted society in various fields, particularly literature and philanthropy. Fawcett's intent is to provide encouragement to women and to showcase how greater freedom and better education enhance women's roles both in literature and in traditionally feminine areas of work. The opening of the collection sets the tone by discussing the evolution of women's contributions to society from the past to the present, emphasizing their increasing involvement in public life and moral improvements. Fawcett specifically references Elizabeth Fry, a pioneer in prison reform, whose work not only uplifted the conditions of female prisoners but also inspired others. The preface outlines the ambitions of the author to present a diverse range of women’s achievements, providing motivation, particularly to working women and young individuals, by reminding them of past accomplishments and ongoing struggles for equality and recognition in various domains.
M. B. (Margaret Bertha) Synge
Great Englishwomen: An Historical Reading Book for Schools
"Great Englishwomen: An Historical Reading Book for Schools" by M. B. Synge is a collection of historical accounts aimed primarily at school-aged children, written in the early 20th century. This anthology features brief biographies of influential English women throughout history, presenting their lives, contributions, and the societal contexts in which they lived. By focusing on figures like Queen Bertha, Maude the Good, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, the book underscores the significant roles women have played in shaping English history. The opening of the book begins with the life story of Queen Bertha, the first Christian queen of England, who, despite leading a seemingly uneventful life, influenced her kingdom through her personal commitment to Christianity. She is depicted as a beacon of light during a time of heathen darkness, promoting the faith through her good deeds and the joyful upbringing of her children. The narrative unfolds her royal lineage, her marriage to the Saxon King Ethelbert, and their pivotal role in the Christianization of Kent, culminating in Ethelbert's eventual baptism—signifying the broader impact Bertha had on the religious landscape of England. This introduction sets the stage for the subsequent profiles of other remarkable women, highlighting their quiet yet formidable contributions to society.
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