Eva Gore-Booth: Irish radical poet, rebel and reformer

An acclaimed biography of poet, pacifist and political firebrand Eva Gore-Booth.

The Irish poet and activist Eva Gore-Booth (1870-1926) led a life defiantly at odds with her aristocratic origins. Choosing to live and work among the poor of Manchester, she campaigned on behalf of barmaids, circus performers, flower sellers and pit-brow lasses, her partner, Esther Roper, at her side.

Gore-Booth was tireless in her pursuit of justice. She was a militant pacifist during the First World War, a champion of Irish independence and a pioneering thinker on gender and sexuality. She was also a prolific author, publishing nineteen volumes of poetry and prose that reflect the full force of her radical convictions.

Featuring a new preface that situates Gore-Booth's life and work in the context of our current political climate, this biography reclaims her place as a significant figure of Anglo-Irish letters and an unsung hero of LGBT+ history.

'We are all so indebted to Sonja Tiernan...Eva Gore-Booth's extraordinary path of engagement is one that remains deeply inspiring to us today.' Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

'A well-researched and illuminating first full biography.' Caitriona Crowe, Irish Times

'Sensational anecdotes and quirky details abound... [a] magisterial and definitive study.' Maureen O'Connor, New Hibernia Review

'A deeply researched, important and readable account of Gore-Booth's life which links many of the issues of her day.' Carla King, Irish Literary Supplement