Writing on the Line

-Working-Class Women Writers of the 20th Century
An annotated list by Sarah Richardson
with additional essays by Merylyn Cherry, Sammy Palfrey and Gail Chester.

Working-class women women have been published in increasing numbers in the 20th Century in spite of the many social filters that might prevent them having a voice. The particular characteristics of this voice have never been assessed in spite of the socialist movement, the women's movement and the fact that working class women are the majority of people in the world. As well as Sarah Richardson's annotated list, Meryln Cherry writes an historical essay- "Towards Recognition of Working Class Women Writers" which focuses on British writers such as Catherine Cookson and Ellen Wilkinson. Sammy Palfrey writes a paper called "Writing and the Miners' Strike 1984-5" which discusses grassroots writing and publication in this period. Gail Chester's piece "Book Publishing - The Gentleperson's Profession?" goes from Tillie Olsen's work "Silences" to Gail's own experience as a published writer. As a new guide to reading, this book is not only a valuable reference but also an inspiring celebration of working-class women's writing. ISBN 1 870736 54 0  196x125mm 150 pp perfect pbk. Full colour cover GBP 8.95

• Sarah Richardson : Working on "Writing on the Line"
• Listen to Sarah Richardson interviewed about "Writing on the Line"