Caroline Norton's Defense

By Caroline Norton,

Book cover of Caroline Norton's Defense: English Laws for Women in the 19th Century

Book description

This account of the author's experience at the hands of an "imperfect state of law" in early 19th-century England makes a passionate plea for equal justice for women. Largely as a result of this book the passage of the Married Women's Property Act and reform of the English Marriage and…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Caroline Norton's Defense as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’m captivated by Caroline Norton’s spirit and contradictions. She fought against inequality in English laws regarding child custody, marriage, divorce, contracts, property, and wages. But she continually maintained that she was against the idea of women’s suffrage or equality with men, writing instead that she claimed only one right: the right of women’s protection under the law.

I appreciate how she makes us think about the law in new ways, and also admire her candid writing about domestic violence. When her brutal husband destroyed her letters, attacked her, and took away her children and her income, she promised that as…

Want books like Caroline Norton's Defense?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Caroline Norton's Defense.

Browse books like Caroline Norton's Defense

Book cover of The Diaries of Hannah Cullwick: Victorian Maidservant
Book cover of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom
Book cover of Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,201

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in domestic violence, Victorian, and Women's suffrage?

Victorian 163 books
Women's Suffrage 18 books