May Sinclair: A Modern Victorian

This book explores the life and works of May Sinclair, a significant Victorian novelist and feminist figure, showcasing her contributions and struggles.

May Sinclair (1863-1946) was a pioneering novelist, recognized as one of the first British women to venture to the Belgian front during World War I in 1914. The book May Sinclair: A Modern Victorian delves into her extraordinary life, drawing upon newly discovered manuscripts that illuminate her experiences and struggles. Sinclair's journey reflects the emotional isolation faced by many Victorian women, highlighting the sacrifices they made in pursuit of intellectual freedom and self-expression.

Sinclair achieved widespread acclaim with her 1904 novel, The Divine Fire, which established her as a significant literary figure in both Britain and the United States. Throughout her career, she became deeply involved in various literary and cultural movements, advocating for women's rights while grappling with her own feminist beliefs. Her contributions to the suffragist journal Votes for Women underscore her commitment to the cause, even as she navigated the complexities of her role in a male-dominated society.

In the latter part of her life, Sinclair penned notable works such as the modernist novel Mary Olivier: A Life (1919) and the haunting Life and Death of Harriett Frean (1922). May Sinclair: A Modern Victorian is the first comprehensive examination of her life and work in nearly three decades, providing valuable insights into her legacy and the broader context of women's literary history during the Victorian era.