The Case for Women's Suffrage

What it is

The Case for Women's Suffrage is a 1907 collection of essays edited by Brougham Villiers, bringing together the arguments of leading advocates of women's suffrage. Emmeline Pankhurst contributed an essay to this volume, which appeared alongside pieces by other prominent campaigners of the time.

Why it matters

Published in 1907, at the start of the militant phase of the suffrage campaign led by Pankhurst's WSPU, this book shows how suffrage leaders set out their reasoning in print for a wider public. It places Pankhurst's own arguments alongside those of fellow advocates, showing the range of voices making the case for votes for women.

Look closer

• Why might suffrage campaigners have wanted to publish their arguments as a book rather than only giving speeches?
• What does it mean that Pankhurst's essay appears alongside those of other advocates rather than standing alone?
• What questions would you ask about who the intended readers of this book were?