The history of women and the vote features many brave individuals - campaigners, thinkers and militants (male and female) who fought the prejudice of their age. Jad Adams brings this home through vividly described scenes in the lives of the battling philosophers, mystics, aristocrats, revolutionaries and freed slaves as well as, more surprisingly, the beauty queens and soap opera actresses who contributed to women's enfranchisement. But Adams shifts the emphasis of this story. He shows how the overwhelmingly important factor was not campaigning zeal, but the need for new nations to create an inclusive citizenship, representing all, regardless of gender. Conservative nationalism, not radical feminist militancy, was the key. This title is controversial, assiduously researched and accessible. Praise for Jad Adams: 'An extraordinary polymath, [Adams] is a master of a classically lucid style a most beguiling book' - "The Spectator". 'A diligent social historian' - "The Observer". 'Well researched, often poignant, and always fascinating' - "The Lancet". 'Told with considerable grace and style...candour and warmth of narrative' - "Sunday Times". 'Perceptive...extremely accurate...writes in a style that makes a reader wish to read on' - "The Scotsman".