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Mary Booth was a woman of startling contradictions - one of Australia's first female doctors, a pioneering feminist and nationalist, she was also a staunch political conservative and a devoted empire loyalist and nationalist. She championed infant welfare, war commemoration, environmental reform, and the place of women in public life, all while navigating a society deeply shaped by gender and race. Feted as the 'Queen of Anzac' and hailed as the 'professional mother' of Australian soldiers, Booth's legacy is far-reaching - from founding the Women's Club and Anzac Fellowship of Women to reshaping ideas of national identity and womanhood.
Drawing on newly uncovered personal correspondence, Mary Booth reveals the intimate world behind the public figure. It not only restores a formidable woman to the historical record but uncovers the pivotal, and often overlooked, role of women in forging Australia's national story and the enduring myth of Anzac. This is the compelling story of a forgotten feminist and the nation she helped build.
PRAISE
'Like many quiet revolutionaries, Mary Booth was both of, and ahead of, her time. In this brilliantly creative reconstruction of Dr Booth's life, career and causes, Bruce Scates and Raelene Frances rethink the history of Australian feminism, philanthropy, Anzac commemoration and national identity. They have rescued from undeserved obscurity a formidably talented and energetic woman who deserves an honoured place in the story of how Australia became modern.'
Professor Frank Bongiorno AM, University of Canberra
'This is a wonderful exploration of a challenging and enigmatic subject - Mary Booth, who lived such a long and active life from mid 19th to mid 20th century. In tracing the life of a woman who was so many things - pioneer female doctor, feminist activist, welfare worker, ardent supporter of empire, environmentalist, and nurturer of Anzac commemoration - Mary Booth brings to life a time very different from, but also foundational to, our own. Each chapter is a major study of an important aspect of Australian history - university education for women, medical services for children, the First World War on the home front, and much more. I loved the combination of immersive detail and wide-ranging analysis every step of the way. The chapter on the Soldiers' Club, founded and managed by Mary Booth - surely one of the best accounts we have of returning soldiers during and after the First World War - is just one example.'
Honorary Professor Ann Curthoys, AM, University of Sydney.
'Mary Booth is a pioneering biography of a leading but forgotten Australian social reformer, physician, feminist, patriot, and British Empire advocate who promoted a myriad of causes including support for soldiers of the First World War. Eloquently written and meticulously researched, Mary Booth is a compelling and riveting account which beautifully evokes a period of great social and cultural change in Australia. It captures with powerful clarity and formidable insight Booth's central and vital role in influencing and shaping this change during the first decades of the twentieth century.'
Professor Joy Damousi, AM, University of Melbourne
'The research is prodigious, the writing sparkles. Brilliantly contextualised, this book is a delight to read.'
Dr Michael McKernan, Former Deputy Director of the Australian War Memorial.
'Mary Booth exemplified the wide span of Federation-era feminism - political conservatives were modern women too. Her life is skilfully told by two of Australia's best women's and social historians.'
Emeritus Professor Angela Woollacott, Australian National University.
