The Anti-Suffrage Handbook of Facts, Statistics, and Quotations For the Use of Speakers. Issued by the Campaign Committee of The National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage. London: National Press Agency Ltd, 1912.
A VERY RARE PUBLICATION CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THE RIGHT FOR WOMEN TO HAVE THE VOTE, DESCRIBING SUFFRAGE AS "EVIL", PUBLISHED DURING THE FIRST-WAVE FEMINIST MOVEMENT, AND REGULARLY QUOTING FIRST WAVE FEMINIST PERSONS SUCH AS EMMELINE PANKHURST, ETC.
-------------------
There are no sales records for this book; it is so rare that it has never appeared on the market before. This is an entirely unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest books in publications pertaining to feminism. WorldCat records just 5 known copies held institutionally worldwide, with even the British Library not having a copy. There are 3 copies held in the UK, including the Bodleian Library from whom we get our collation, 1 in Germany, and 1 in the US, else no other copies are known aside from our copy offered here for sale for the first (known) time. Even more remarkable is the condition, bound in its original paper binding in a condition not dissimilar to when originally printed over a century ago. A remarkable surviving copy of an important aspect relating to feminist history.
-------------------
"The Men's League for Opposing Woman Suffrage, founded in December 1908, suffered from weak organisation and political complacency. In 1910, the way was prepared for a full-scale merger of the two organisations. This proved an unexpectedly difficult process as male and female leaders vied for influence over procedures and policies. The WNASL commitment to promoting women's public service in local government was a major stumbling block. There were also conflicts over the name, constitution, and administrative arrangements of the new National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage, finally launched in December 1910. The chapter provides a detailed analysis of the formation and development of the NLOWS, focusing particularly upon gender relations, but also investigating propaganda methods and local branch-building across Britain. Despite some setbacks, female activism remained vital to organised anti-suffragism" [Bush, 2008].
This publication from the National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage was published in 1912, not long following the formation of the NLOWS, and writes on topics including "The Present Position", "Woman Suffrage in the House of Commons", "Woman Suffrage and the Country", "Women and Labour", "Woman Suffrage and Social Reform", "The 'Right' to a Vote", "The Evil of Woman Suffrage", "The Physical Force Argument", "Countries having Woman Suffrage", "Women in Local Government", and "A Canvass of Women". There are also a few sections writing with respect to international feminist movements, including large parts dedicated to America.
-------------------
Size: 121 x 180 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(1), 1ff, t.p., 80pp, (1)]
Original publisher's paper binding, very slightly discoloured & toned, but remaining as essentially near fine, with the ink bright, etc. Very minor loss at extremities of backstrip. Some minor stains to front pastedown, verso front free endpaper toned, else in fine condition throughout the text block, though with a few pen lines in the marginal space indicating emphasis in certain places, thus indicative of a contemporary reader who did not want their name or handwriting left in the book! Collated as complete, all called for pages are present, including the original blanks.
In remarkable condition, especially given the fragile original binding.
[Bodleian Library 013703038; OCLC 43259696].
Bush, Julia, 'Working with Men', Women Against the Vote: Female Anti-Suffragism in Britain (Oxford, 2007; online edn, Oxford Academic, 1 Jan. 2008),
