Product Description

The 'Greatest Black Briton in History' triumphed over the Crimea and Victorian England. "The Times" called her a heroine, Florence Nightingale called her a brothel-keeping quack, and Queen Victoria's nephew called her, simply, 'Mammy' - Mary Seacole was one of the most eccentric and charismatic women of her era. Born at her mother's hotel in Jamaica in 1805, she became an independent 'doctress' combining the herbal remedies of her African ancestry with sound surgical techniques. On the outbreak of the Crimean War, she arrived in London desperate to join Florence Nightingale at the Front, but the authorities refused to see her. Being black, nearly 50, rather stout, and gloriously loud in every way, she was obviously unsuitable. Undaunted, Mary travelled to Balaklava under her own steam to build the 'British Hotel', just behind the lines. It was an outrageous venture, and a huge success - she became known and loved by everyone from the rank and file to the royal family. For more than a century after her death this remarkable woman was all but forgotten. This, the first full-length biography of a Victorian celebrity recently voted the greatest black Briton in history, brings Mary Seacole centre stage at last.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #175203 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
"* 'Throughout history there have been women who deserve to be remembered for what they themselves achieved... Robinson gives them life once more.' Guardian * 'Utterly absorbing... every page jammed with catchy vignettes.' Observer * 'Useful and highly enjoyable.' Times Literary Supplement * 'A fine piece of work.' Daily Telegraph * 'Robinson's book is the first I have read that has opened my eyes to the true horrors of the Mutiny.' Daily Mail"

Pride Magazine
'Must read.'

Telegraph
Robinson seeks to rescue Seacole from being a two-dimensional icon
of race and gender. She revels in her subject's eccentricity, as well as
throwing surprising light on the Victorian society that in part rejected
her but also... enthusiastically embraced her.

Customer Reviews

What a Star
One of the key issues in this fascinating book is the stark social and behavioural comparison between Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale. We have all been told at school and throughout history of the wonders of Florence and her lamp - well time now to glance at what Mary did!
An account of unbridled energy, commitment,and optimism, one feels that the author, to a degree, does not fully capitalise on the contribution that Mary Seacole made.
However a superb book and a telling lesson in how to fight racial and class prejudice.