Karl Marx is known throughout the world for his political theory, but it was his youngest daughter, Eleanor, who put that theory into practice. Fiercely intelligent and quick-witted, she was heavily involved with socialist movements and early trade unionism, and she was a strong campaigner for the rights of working-class women and Jews.
A-Z
D is for… Daughters of Bilitis
In 1955, four lesbian couples came together in search of a space to socialise away from the fear of harassment and police raids. What began as a private club soon turned into a national organisation, which became crucial to the understand and acceptance of lesbianism in 1950s and 60s America.
C is for… Christine Jorgensen
Christine Jorgensen was a trailblazer for transgender people in the US. In 1952, she became one of the first people to undergo sex reassignment surgery, becoming an instant celebrity in America upon her return to the country. She was a cornerstone of the LGBT movement, and still remains an important figure in trans history.
B is for… Bella in the Wych Elm
In April 1943, four young boys would make a grisly discovery in Hagley Wood in Worcestershire, England. What they found would spark a murder mystery complete with theories of witchcraft and espionage which remains to be solved to this very day.
A is for… Anna Komnene
Somewhat appropriately, we are kicking 2021 off with the story of the first female historian, Anna Komnene. Her work, the Alexiad, is one of the most important primary sources of 11th and 12th century Byzantine history - her work is invaluable to historians today.