NEW. As the youngest daughter of the famous British suffragette family, Adela Pankhurst’s life began as it would continue: among thinkers and activists. She was arrested for her part in the fight for female suffrage in the United Kingdom but, after differences with her mother, Emmeline Pankhurst, she was sent to Australia before votes for women were won.
Arriving in Melbourne in 1914, Adela was quickly involved with the women’s movement and the anti-war and anti-conscription movements. Wayward and passionate, Adela Pankhurst zigzagged from cause to cause. She was a founding member of the Communist Party of Australia, but later became involved with the extreme right-wing Australia First movement. During her fast-paced life she managed to offend socialists, communists, trade unionists, patriots, pacifists, feminists, nationalists, imperialists and conservatives.
Verna Coleman vividly brings this extraordinary woman to life. Feisty, eager and inspirational, Adela Pankhurst brought a wholehearted commitment to her various campaigns, and to read her biography is to be caught up in the heady excitement of some of the most significant political causes of the twentieth century.

Having been banished from Britain by her mother Emmeline Pankhurst, she arrived in Melbourne in 1914, Adela was quickly involved in the women’s movement and the anti-war and anti-conscription movements. Wayward and passionate, Adela Pankhurst zigzagged from cause to cause. She was a founding member of the Communist Party of Australia, and married Tom Walsh who became secretary of the NSW branch of the Seamans union. They subsequently became fervent supporters of Mussolini and became involved with the extreme right wing Australia First movement. During her fast paced life she managed to offend socialists, communists, trade unionists, patriots, pacifists, feminists, nationalists, imperialists and conservatives. pp. 220 illusts #0121