Author(s): Anne Henderson

Biography

This is the story of an extraordinary woman - mother of twelve, Prime Minister's wife, first woman member of the House of Representatives and the first woman in a Federal Cabinet, radio broadcaster, newspaper columnist, author of three books -  Enid Lyons was for many years the best known woman in Australia. Enid Lyons regarded herself as "feminist" but was also conservative. She was a pacifist and a Fabian underneath her conservative outlook on families and moral life. Enid could be strong on principle but also surprisingly tolerant. She had views on mothering that were ahead of their time. The story of Joe and Enid Lyons is full of dramatic extremes without being risque. Anne Henderson has also uncovered new information which indicates a family secret. There will be controversy over this - and much interest.