Elizabeth Fry

'We long to burn her alive,' wrote the Reverend Sydney Smith in 1821. ‘Examples of living virtue disturb our repose and give birth to distressing comparisons.’

He was referring to Elizabeth Fry, the legendary 19th century social reformer who committed her life to helping others. One of the most remarkable women of her time, her philanthropic achievements included establishing a homeless shelter in London, campaigning for the abolition of slavery, founding a nursing school and improving conditions in prisons.

But, like most women who take a stand against the establishment, Fry found herself the target of the hostility of those who benefited from the unfair systems she rebelled against. Facing disapproval as well from both the Church and her fellow campaigners, Fry was tortured by self-doubt.

In this perceptive biography, based in part on Elizabeth Fry’s own journals, June Rose delves below the surface to show Fry as she really was – complex, contradictory, but courageously defying the conventions of the age. Perfect for fans of A Woman of No Importance and Long Walk to Freedom.

Praise for Elizabeth Fry:

‘Well-written, enthralling and a real inspiration’ - Church Times

‘The value of this splendid new biography is that it enables us to get to know her better than ever before’ - Sunday Telegraph

‘It is a work of scholarly research, written with a simple clarity’ - Hampstead & Highgate Express

June Rose was an English author and biographer. Rose focused on women’s issues and was renowned for exposing a different, and often controversial, side to many historical figureheads such as in Modigliani and Marie Stopes and the Sexual Revolution.