Nan Sloane's new biography of Margaret Bondfield illuminates the remarkable life of a woman who rose from unpromising beginnings to the Cabinet table. This enjoyable account of a real political pioneer reminds us of a woman who, though a national figure in her day, is almost unknown now, and restores her to her proper place in the political life of her times.

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, Broadcaster and Political Commentator

A revelation. This definitive new biography acts as a vital corrective to the misconceptions and hearsay that have blighted the legacy and our historical memory of one of the Labour movement's original trailblazers.

Harry Taylor, Labour Historian and Parliamentary Reporter

Nan Sloane's excellent biography brings Britain's first woman Cabinet Minister, Margaret Bondfield, to life with fine detail and a warm human touch. Bondfield has remained in the shadows for too long. She has now been given the recognition she so richly deserves. A must read for all those interested in Labour, and women's, history.

Mary Honeyball, Research Fellow, Queen Mary University of London, UK