Palgrave Critical Studies of Antisemitism and Racism
Christian and Jewish Women in Britain, 1880-1940
Living with Difference
Authors: Summers, Anne
Explores the history of multiculturalism in Britain
Reveals the friendships between Christian and Jewish Women before the Second World War
Does so through examining a range of diverse sources
This book offers an entirely new contribution to the history of multiculturalism in Britain, 1880-1940. It shows how friendship and co-operation between Christian and Jewish women changed lives and, as the Second World War approached, actually saved them. The networks and relationships explored include the thousand-plus women from every district in Manchester who combined to send a letter of sympathy to the Frenchwoman at the heart of the Dreyfus Affair; the religious leagues for women's suffrage who initiated the first interfaith campaigning movement in British history; the collaborations, often problematic, on refugee relief in the 1930s; the close ties between the founder of Liberal Judaism in Britain, and the wife of the leader of the Labour Party, between the wealthy leader of the Zionist women's movement and a passionate socialist woman MP. A great variety of sources are thoughtfully interrogated, and concluding remarks address some of the social concerns of the present century.
Anne Summers is Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck, University of London, UK. She was formerly a Curator of Modern Historical Manuscripts at the British Library. Her many publications on women's history include Angels and Citizens: British Women as Military Nurses, 1854-1914 and Female Lives, Moral States: Women, Religion and Political Culture in Britain, 1800-1930.
"This book is a treat, even for those whose interests do not lie in denominational or women's history. Though it is an academic study, based on thorough archival research and a deep scholarly mastery of its subject, it is a pleasure to read. Above all, it opens up an entirely new perspective on the Jewish and Christian women who collaborated in the field of voluntary, charitable and philanthropic work between 1880 and 1940." (Anthony Grenville, AJR Journal, ajr.org.uk, Vol. 20 (8), August, 2020)
"The existence and scope of co-operation, and the relationships that developed between the Christian and Jewish women in Anne Summers' study is an intriguing and engaging read, and sheds light on an otherwise hidden aspect of women's history. … The research undertaken for this book is remarkable, and serves as a reminder that historians are, at heart, detectives." (Susan Cohen, Women's History Review, January, 2018)
"This book is remarkable, not only in its detailed content highlighting the involvement of women in these 'charitable collaborations' but also in enlightening readers about the detective work in carrying out such research. … Summers' noteworthy book remains engaging and accessible." (Diane Lukeman, Jewish Renaissance, July, 2017)
Summers, Anne
Women and Men in a Religious Landscape: Britain in the Late Nineteenth Century
Joint Enterprises: 'The Co-operation of Ladies Who Are Not Christians'
'Dear Madame Dreyfus'
'Votes for Women!'
'A Dear Good "God-Mother" to Her': Margaret MacDonald and Lily Montagu
'We Fell in Love with Each Other at First Sight': Charlotte Mason and Netta Franklin
False Start or Brave Beginning? Lily Montagu and Interfaith Initiatives
Separatism Without Separation: Rebecca Sieff, Englishwomen and Zionism
Refuge and Asylum
Coda: Rachel Bernstein Goes to Surrey Lane
Anne Summers
The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)
XI, 240
History of Britain and Ireland