In 1908 Muriel Matters, known as 'that daring Australian girl', chained herself to an iron grille in the House of Commons to demand votes for women, thus becoming the first woman to make a speech in the House. The following year she made headlines around the world when she took to the sky over the Houses of Parliament in an airship emblazoned with 'Votes for Women'.

A trailblazer in the suffrage movement, Muriel toured England in a horse-drawn caravan to promote the cause. But feminism was just one of her passions: Muriel's zeal for social change also saw her run for Parliament, campaign for prison reform, promote Maria Montessori's teaching methods and defend the poor. In this inspiring and long-overdue biography, bestselling author Robert Wainwright introduces us to an intelligent, spirited and brave woman who fought tirelessly for others in a world far from equal.

About the Author
Robert Wainwright has worked as a journalist for 30 years and is the author of eleven books, including Sheila and The Maverick Mountaineer. He lives in London.

Reviews
[Wainwright] succeeds marvellously in bringing to life a woman who until recently was little more than a name in the history of the suffragette movement. * The Spectator *
Muriel Matters's name is apt: she certainly does matter...[a] highly readable biography. * Daily Mail *
A long-overdue biography of the most inspiring woman you've never heard of. * All About History *
The charm of Wainwright's biography is that he makes us see what an engaging, admirable and sometimes heroic quality it is to be a life-enhancer like Sheila. * Daily Mail, on SHEILA *
As social history Sheila Chisholm's life is fascinating... it's undeniably enjoyable to read of all that glitter and gold. -- Selina Hastings * The Spectator, on SHEILA *
Nothing short of impressive... Wainwright has revived a legend. * The Lady, on SHEILA *
A] compelling biography... As a study of a man whose greatness we would do well to remember and applaud, it sparkles. * The Independent, on THE MAVERICK MOUNTAINEER *
Wainwright chronicles it all with aplomb... Wainwright has done a fine job of rescuing his protagonist from the footnotes of climbing history. * Daily Telegraph, on THE MAVERICK MOUNTAINEER *



Book Information
ISBN 9781760632687
Author Robert Wainwright
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Allen & Unwin
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Weight(grams) 376g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 128mm * 27mm