Welbeck snaps up illustrated history of feminism

Welbeck Publishing Group will release novelist Anna-Marie Crowhurst’s (pictured) début non-fiction title, a "sumptuously illustrated story of modern feminism". 

Non-fiction executive editor Isabel Wilkinson bought world rights to Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History from Hellie Ogden at Janklow & Nesbit. Publication is slated for August 2020. 

The book will look at the last 100 years of feminist activism and culture "including everything from suffrage and bra burning to the politics of hair, riot grrrl, feminist publishing, power dressing and Beyoncé”. In addition to Crowhurst's "authoritative, compelling and entertaining retelling of this multi-stranded global story", the title will have essays from contributors including the pop star Emeli Sandé, activist Helen Pankhurst and novelist Diana Evans. 

Wilkinson added: “Anna-Marie’s passionate, funny and beautifully descriptive voice is already well-loved by readers of her fiction and journalism, and we’re delighted to be working with her on such an important new title. Well-behaved Women Seldom Makes History tells the thrilling story of modern feminism, championing not only those women whose names we all know for their tenacious pursuit of equality, but whose contributions in the workplace and in music, art, comedy, writing, and sport have changed the cultural landscape."

Crowhurst's first novel, The Illumination of Ursula Flight (Allen & Unwin), was shortlisted last year for the Historical Writers' Association Debut Crown.  She said: "It has been a joy to discover so many powerful, uplifting and inspiring stories from the history of the modern women's movement. I'm excited to be given the space in which to celebrate the courageous women who spoke truth to power and made change happen."