Description
Book SynopsisIn 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.
Trade ReviewMargaret C. Jones is a writer of feminist biographies, and her enthusiastic engagement with her remarkable subject shines through every page ... Jones is entirely successful in revivifying the “complex, enigmatic, multitalented woman” that was Amelia Edwards. * Victorian Popular Fictions Journal *
Margaret Jones has admirably brought together the remarkable and varied threads of Amelia B Edwards’ life in this greatly updated and carefully researched biography, a must-read for anyone interested in in this novelist, travel writer, and pioneer of British Egyptology! * Carl Graves, Director of the Egypt Exploration Society *
‘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.’ * Mona Narain, Texas Christian University, USA. *
Table of ContentsChapter 1. Young Amelia Chapter 2. Love – and The Dolomites Chapter 3. The Nile Chapter 4. Inventing Egypt Chapter 5. Founding the Fund Chapter 6. A Very Private Life Chapter 7. Novelist Chapter 8. America Chapter 9. A Quiet Activist Chapter 10. Reputation Bibliography
