Jill Liddington, a writer and historian, primarily focuses her research on women’s history, particularly the Votes for Women narrative and the life of Anne Lister.
Her book, Female Fortune, was the inspiration behind Sally Wainwright’s hit BBC series ‘Gentleman Jack’.
In As Good as a Marriage, the sequel to Female Fortune, Jill Liddington’s edited transcriptions of the diaries show us Anne from 1836-38. She guides the reader through life at Shibden Hall after Anne’s unconventional ‘marriage’ to wealthy local heiress Ann Walker. The book explores the daily lives of these two women, from convivial evenings together to her ruthless pursuit of her own business and landowning ambitions.
Yet the diaries’ coded passages also record tensions and quarrels, with Ann Walker often in tears. Was their relationship really as fragile as Anne’s coded writing suggests? This question is at the heart of As Good as a Marriage.
This autumn, Jill Liddington will appear at a number of book events to discuss the life and work of Anne Lister. Details can be found below. You can receive 30% off Female Fortune and As good as a marriage by signing up to our newsletter!
Discover more MUP events via our events page or learn more about Jill via her website.
‘ANNE LISTER: ARCH-TRADITIONALIST OR THE FIRST MODERN LESBIAN?’ TALK
Join Jill Liddington, the celebrated author of Female Fortune: the Anne Lister diaries 1833-36 – the book that inspired TV scriptwriter Sally Wainwright to write Gentleman Jack (BBC1/HBO). In her latest book As Good As A Marriage – the long awaited sequel to Female Fortune – she explores this fascinating question on the remarkable Anne Lister. An evening not to be missed! 6-7.30pm.
The Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough, Halifax, HX3 5AX
Sat 23rd September 2023
ANNE LISTER’S HALIFAX: MOCK MARRIAGES AND EFFIGY-BURNING.
In 1834 Ann Walker moved into Shibden. For the 1835 Election, Anne and Ann door-stepped their tenants. The ‘Blue’ candidate won Halifax by a single vote. Riots erupted – plus a malicious public jibe at the Shibden couple. Alongside, coal-mining rivalry continued. And in 1836, lurid tales reached Shibden of Anne and Ann being burnt in effigy down in Halifax. So who was behind these malicious personal jibes – and why?
A 2-hour circular walk organized by Calderdale Heritage Walks; ending at the Three Pigeons pub for refreshments plus Q&A session.
Event: Anne Lister’s Halifax: mock marriages and effigy-burning
Venue: Meet at 2pm in the Piece Hall by the Book Corner. HX1 1RE, Halifax
Date: Sunday 24th September 2023 at 2:00PM
JILL LIDDINGTON IN CONVERSATION WITH EMMA DONOGHUE.
Celebrated writer Emma Donoghue’s new novel, Learned by Heart, tells the story of young Anne Lister’s love affair with Eliza Raine – formed when they were both pupils at the elite Manor School in York. The two girls were thrown together and Eliza’s life was turned upside down.
Jill is a feminist historian, her work on Anne Lister’s diaries focussing on the 1830s. By then Anne had inherited Shibden Hall and established herself as a formidable member of the local landed gentry. So this conversation between two very different authors, both fascinated by Anne Lister, promises to be exhilarating!
Tickets £10; admission plus book £25. Emma Donoghue – Learned By Heart | Monday 2 October, 7pm at Elvet Meth.
ANNE LISTER’S DIARIES 1833-38: AS GOOD AS A MARRIAGE? LEEDS
Following Jill’s talk, we’ll host a Q&A, exploring the intimate worlds of same-sex relationships between women then, and how Lister’s inherited landed status and religious beliefs enabled her to live a life of relative sexual freedom. To celebrate the publication of this book, the talk will be followed by a drinks reception.
18th October 2023, 4-6.30pm, at the University of Leeds – exact venue tbc.