The Woman Writer – The History of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists

Posted on December 2, 2009
Filed Under England, Media, Publication, Women's Group | Comments Off

An account of Britain’s oldest society dedicated to women’s writing through its 116-year existence
* The first in-depth history of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists.
* Published to commemorate the centenary in 2010 of former President Joyce Grenfell’s birth.
* Explores the lives of some of the Society’s most famous members.
* Illustrated with 100 mono and colour photographs.

Although the Society of Women Journalists was created very much with women in mind, the concept was the brainchild of a man – an enterprising London philanthropist and newspaperman – Joseph Snell Wood. From its introduction on 1 May 1894, the Society has attracted the company of many of the world’s most famous women writers, journalists, poets, playwrights and associated creative people involved in the wider world of literature, film, music, theatre and entertainment. More than 200 women flocked to its first meeting and membership continued to expand year on year.

Given the small number of women in journalism at the time, almost every practising woman journalist must have applied for membership. Certainly the great names of Victorian media were there, such as American playwright, Pearl Craigie, Lady Sarah Wilson who reported from Mafeking on the Boer War, and Alice Meynell, who nearly became the first female Poet Laureate. Luminaries such as Vera Brittain, Marie Stopes, Richmal Crompton, Margery Allingham, Rebecca West, Radclyffe Hall, Elizabeth Longford, Nina Bawden, Jacqueline Wilson and numerous other well-known authors became members. Our Life President is Baroness Williams of Crosby.

Author Sylvia Kent
Published on 1 November 2009 at £12.99
paperback original ISBN-10 9780752451596

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