BRITTAIN, Vera Pethick-Lawrence: A Portrait

8vo., deep pink boards lettered in silver to spine; Pethwick-Lawrence’s signature embossed in blind to upper cover; upper edge stained pink; in the red/orange dustwrapper printed in black and white (unclipped, priced 25s. net to front flap); pp. [vii], 8-232; containing 21 black and white photographs interspersed throughout; a little sun-faded at edges of spine, else fine in the wrapper which is a little darkened to the spine, lower panel and folds; very good. 

First edition, this copy inscribed by the author in the year of publication to the title page. This copy comes together with: 

A clipping from an original TLS, 15.5 x 11cm approx, with ‘On behalf of the Women’s Social & Political Union, / Yours faithfully,’ typed, followed by the signatures of both Emmeline Pethwick-Lawrence and Mabel Tuke (Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Secretary) beneath in blue ink;  followed by their names again written in a different hand beneath, and dated 14 December 1908.

An interesting book by Vera Brittain in which she presents a biography of her friend Frederick Pethick-Lawrence, a prominent suffrage campaigner and Labour MP.

Frederick’s first wife Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence was a prominent British suffragette, social reformer and co-editor of the Votes for Women publication. Together with her husband, she played a leading role in the militant women’s suffrage movement. At the time of this publication, Frederick had already remarried, but Brittain was friends with both of his wives. Much of the material was compiled from Frederick’s own extensive personal papers. 

Mabel Tuke was a British actress and prominent supporter of women’s suffrage. Active in the Actresses’ Franchise League, she appeared widely on the Edwardian stage and in early twentieth century theatrical productions. It is scarce to find these signatures together, with both signatories central figures in the WSPU.  

SKU: 1800214