Political Economy for Beginners

Millicent Garrett Fawcett (1847-1929) was the author of the 1870 Political Economy for Beginners, a brief but wildly successful book. It set a contemporary record as a principles textbook for students, running through ten editions in 41 years. A vigorous promoter of education for women, she helped set up Newham College for women at Cambridge. In 1865 she heard a speech on women's rights made by John Stuart Mill, who deeply impressed her and she became one of his many loyal supporters.