Biteback to publish Alibhai-Brown on women who shaped the world

Biteback Publishing will publish Ladies Who Punch by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, the story of women in history who have "punched" their way through life. 

Editorial director Olivia Beattie acquired world rights to the title direct from the author. Publication is scheduled for 1st September 2020. 

Ladies Who Punch remembers women including Gertrude Bell, who played a pivotal role in establishing modern-day Iraq; Mary Lee, a mathematician, engineer and campaigner for equal pay and the mother of Tim Berners-Lee; Princess Diana; the suffragette Sophia Singh; and Anne Lister, the regency landowner who is "often described as the first modern lesbian".

Alibhai-Brown said: "I felt both elated and privileged writing about these fifty gutsy women past, present and those who will make the future. Their spirit kept mine up. I am also delighted to be working with the brilliant Biteback team again."

Beattie added: "Ladies Who Punch is not only an important reminder of the contributions made by some of the women who have shaped our world, many of whom have missed out on a prominent place in the history books, but also a fascinating insight into the lives of those who are punching their way through glass ceilings today – and a heartening look at those who are set to make their mark on the future."