An Autobiography

Description

An Autobiography was first published after the death of Catherine Helen Spence in April 1910. The text was unfinished but compiled by Spence's friend Jeanne Young with the help of Spence's diary. An Autobiography is a record of a fascinating life, from Spence's childhood in Scotland to her emigration to South Australia, her career as journalist and novelist, her activities on behalf of electoral reform, public education and the welfare of mothers and children, and her meetings and communications with contemporary celebrities such as J. S. Mill and George Eliot. Along the way she discusses the Wakefield plan for the establishment of the South Australian colony, her plans for a fairer electoral system and the processes leading to Australian Federation.

Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910) was an ardent and fearless social and political reformer in South Australia. A novelist, and Australia's first woman professional journalist and political candidate, Spence campaigned for female suffrage, child welfare and electoral reform in the years leading to Australian Federation.