The adventures and tribulations of Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children, and humble revolutionary
Winner of the 2007 Daily Mail Biographer’s Club Prize
An unconventional biography of an unconventional woman. Eglantyne Jebb, not particularly fond of children herself, nevertheless dedicated her life to establishing Save the Children and promoting her revolutionary concept of human rights. In this award-winning book, Clare Mulley brings to life this brilliant, charismatic, and passionate woman, whose work took her between drawing rooms and war zones, defying convention and breaking the law.
Eglantyne Jebb not only helped save millions of lives, she also permanently changed the way the world treats children.
Clare Mulley joined Save the Children as a fundraiser in the 1990s and is now an author and the mother of three young daughters. She is the winner of the 2007 Daily Mail Biographer's Club prize.
"Here is the story of one of the great women of the world who made a real difference to the lives of the most needy children. Told with Clare Mulley’s sure instinct for the lives of others, this is an extraordinary book about a unique woman, a woman for our times."
“An insightful biography of a truly remarkable woman. This portrait is especially poignant 100 years on when Eglantyne’s mission remains as relevant and urgent as ever. We must not forget this woman’s determination, and what she set out to achieve. Her vision serves as an inspiration as we each do our bit for children less fortunate than our own”.
"A pleasure to read...a combination of Jebb's own mischievous attitude and Mulley's lively style."
"A very good read, telling an extraordinary story."
"Unusual and perceptive...all credit to Clare Mulley, a past winner of the Daily Mail Biographers' Club prize."
“This centenary edition celebrates the life of an indomitable woman. Compellingly written and meticulously researched, this biography is a monument to extraordinary perseverance. Eglantyne Jebb, without any children herself, actually gave her life to stop children being the innocent victims of adult war. I wish she were here today!”
"Brings to life the world of clever and conscientious upper-middle-class women... A valuable account of a forgotten life."
"Eglantyne Jebb completely revolutionised public perceptions of charity and our collective responsibility towards children. This excellent book makes plain that Eglantyne's vision is just as powerful - and relevant - today as it was then... Those who read this book will be inspired - as I am - by a woman who dared to think the impossible and turn it into reality. Her example lays down a challenge to us all."
"Wonderful, clever and funny, Clare Mulley's lively and intimate biography brings out the humour, inconsistency, willfullness and just excellent energy of Eglantyne."
“This is a truly brilliant book, about a woman who changed the world for the better and forever."
"Kept me up half the night - really fascinating and moving - beautifully written and paced…wonderful."
"A wonderful biography... All of us who continue to build on Eglantyne’s vision are in your debt for giving us the real human being who inspires our work."
"This book tells the tale of one of the twentieth century's most inspirational women... I'd urge anyone to pick up this book and be inspired."
"Beautifully constructed and passionately written...evocative, funny and poignant."
"A crisp, masterly biography."
"An interesting biography of a fascinating person who deserves to be better known and appreciated for her work."
"This biography of Eglantyne Jebb, who established the charity to look after children in the chaos that followed the end of the First World War, brings to life a charismatic woman who changed the way the world treats children."
"Sensitive, entertaining and beautifully written, The Woman Who Saved the Children is an absorbing exploration of a life filled with achievement... A sparkling biography of a fascinating woman."
"Meticulously researched...a testimony to Jebb's remarkable humanitarianism."
"A very readable story which will strike a chord for many."
"A fascinating new book."
"A most interesting account of a life full of colour and curiosity."
"Admirably researched... Clare Mulley has done Eglantyne proud. Her informative and sensitively written biography will put SCF's founder, and through her SCF itself, well and truly on the global map."
