An Autobiography

An Autobiography was first published after the death of Catherine Helen Spence in April 1910. The text was unfinished but compiled by Spence’s friend Jeanne Young with the help of Spence’s diary.

An Autobiography is a record of a fascinating life, from Spence's childhood in Scotland to her emigration to South Australia, her career as journalist and novelist, her activities on behalf of electoral reform, public education and the welfare of mothers and children, and her meetings and communications with contemporary celebrities such as J. S. Mill and George Eliot. Along the way she discusses the Wakefield plan for the establishment of the South Australian colony, her plans for a fairer electoral system and the processes leading to Australian Federation.

Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910) was a Scottish-Australian writer, teacher and feminist. Spence fought for female suffrage in Australia, becoming vice-president of the Women's Suffrage League of South Australia in 1891.

1. Early childhood in Scotland
   
2. Towards Australia
   
3. A beginning at seventeen
   
4. Lovers and friends
   
5. Novels and a political inspiration
   
6. A trip to England
   
7. Melrose revisited
   
8. I visit Edinburgh and London
   
9. Meeting with J.S. Mill and George Eliot
   
10. Return from the old country
    
11. Wards of the state
    
12. Preaching, friends and writing
    
13. My work for education
    
14. Speculation, charity and a book
    
15. Journalism and politics
    
16. Sorrow and change
    
17. Impressions of America
    
18. Britain, the Continent and home again
    
19. Progress of effective voting
    
20. Widening interests
    
21. Proportional representation and federation
    
22. A visit to New South Wales
    
23. More public work
    
24. The eightieth milestone and the end