Description

Octobiography, a softcover edition from 1976, unveils the intricate tapestry of Helen B. Cruickshank's life—an eminent Scottish poet, suffragette, and a cornerstone of the Scottish Renaissance. Born on 15 May 1886 in Hillside, Montrose, her father's role as a hospital attendant shaped her early years. Cruickshank's education at Hillside village school and Montrose Academy was interwoven with family holidays in Glenesk, nurturing her affinity for nature, climbing, and walking—themes that permeate her poetry.

Despite academic prowess, financial constraints hindered university education, propelling her into a Civil Service career at the Post Office Savings Bank in London from 1903 to 1912. In the dynamic milieu of the metropolis, Cruickshank's engagement with politics and women's suffrage blossomed. Her keen observation of gender inequality in the workplace fueled her activism, aligning her with the Women's Social and Political Union. The echoes of her advocacy resound in the marches she attended, the "Votes for Women" she sold, and her bold chalked messages on pavements.

"Octobiography" poignantly encapsulates Cruickshank's journey—her dedication to social change, her passion for nature, and her poetry. A focal point of the Scottish Renaissance, she fostered literary camaraderie, hosting Scottish writers at her Corstorphine home. Published posthumously in 1987, Cruickshank's memoir offers a glimpse into her vibrant spirit, a reminder of her unwavering commitment to both literature and equality.

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Condition report

Pages are clean, text block is tight and, overall, this copy is in very good condition. There's a small stain on the back cover, very minor wear to the cloth covering the spine, a few marks to the covers and a small tear at the bottom of the back cover (see photos).