Forming a critical introduction to the history of women's autobiography from the mid 18th-century to the present, this book analyses the most important changes in women's autobiography, exploring their motivation, context, style, and the role of life experiences. Caine effortlessly segues across three centuries of history: from the emergence of the 'modern autobiography' in the 18th-century which laid bare the scandalous lives of 'fallen women', to the literary and suffragist autobiographies of the 19th-century to the establishment of feminist publishers in the 20th century and the taboo-shattering autobiographies they produced. The result is a much-needed history, one which provides a different way of thinking about the trajectory of genre information. Caine's compelling study fills an important gap in the genre of autobiography, by embracing a wide range of women and offering an extensive discussion of the autobiographies of women across the 19th and 20th centuries, making it ideal for classroom use.

Esteemed historian Barbara Caine skilfully produces an overview of British women's autobiographies over three centuries, showing important changes in motivation, context, style, and life experiences.

About the Author
Barbara Caine is Head of the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Reviews
Caine has written a well-researched, chronological account of a selection of British women's autobiographies from the 18th through the 20th centuries. It traces the changes of approach and focus over time, thus demonstrating the evolution of the situation of women. It will make an excellent addition to classes on women's history generally and autobiography specifically. * Patricia Lorcin, Professor of History, University of Minnesota, USA *



Book Information
ISBN 9781350237629
Author Barbara Caine
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC