By combining extracts from their most famous works and Rees’ insightful essays, this book illuminates the biographies of three remarkable women and evokes rediscovery of ancient Egypt. Harriet Martineau was a doughty and influential campaigner for multiple social causes; Florence Nightingale became a universally acclaimed reformer of nursing and hospital practices; Amelia Edwards, formerly a novelist and prolific professional writer, returned from Egypt to found the Egypt Exploration Society. All three were independent-minded women of strong character and exceptional gifts.