A Suffragette in America

This collection features Sylvia Pankhurst's writings from her visits to America, revealing her insights into social justice and women's rights.

In A Suffragette in America, readers are introduced to the remarkable journey of Sylvia Pankhurst, one of Britain's most notable radicals, as she travels to North America between 1911 and 1912. Unlike traditional suffragette tours that focused on mingling with the American elite to secure funding, Pankhurst immersed herself in the struggles of the working class. She engaged with striking laundry workers in New York, visited female prisoners in Philadelphia and Chicago, and confronted the harsh realities of racism in Nashville, Tennessee. Her experiences reveal a profound connection between the social injustices she encountered in America and those she faced in Britain.

Pankhurst's writings, many of which are published for the first time in this collection, provide a unique perspective on the suffrage movement. Her reflections highlight not only her commitment to women's rights but also her deep empathy for various marginalized groups. As she navigated the challenges of American society, she drew parallels with her own experiences of imprisonment and misogyny back home, showcasing the universal nature of these struggles.

The book is further enriched by a contextual introduction from Katherine Connelly, who situates Pankhurst's work within the broader narrative of the suffragette movement. A Suffragette in America is not just a historical account; it is a vital contribution to understanding the evolution of feminist thought and activism across borders.