We're open! Your support & feedback is appreciated 💕

Spider Woman

A Life – by the former President of the Supreme Court
4.05 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 717 ratings, 68 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Spider Woman by Lady Hale is an insightful memoir from the first female President of the UK Supreme Court. It chronicles her groundbreaking legal career, her advocacy for gender equality, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated profession, offering an inspiring look into her life and work.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in an inspiring memoir of a woman breaking barriers in the legal profession. It provides insights into the journey and experiences of becoming the first female President of the UK Supreme Court, highlighting themes of equality and perseverance.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Spider Woman

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Spider Woman by Lady Hale details an extraordinary journey filled with perseverance, triumph, and groundbreaking achievements. From the modest beginnings in a small village in North Yorkshire, Lady Brenda Hale rises to become the most senior judge in the United Kingdom. This compelling narrative weaves through the life of a pioneer and reformer who has left an indelible mark on British legal history and inspired generations.

Lady Hale, an icon of inspiration, transcends the traditional boundaries of her profession. Her fascinating story begins as a little girl who, deterred from studying history by her headteacher's discouragement, ambitiously forges ahead into the field of law. Despite a male-dominated legal landscape, she pursues her passion with fervour and intellect, ascending to the apex of the judiciary as the President of the Supreme Court.

Her unconventional path to success wasn't merely a personal triumph but also a significant movement for gender equality and justice reform. As a 'girly swot,' she consistently challenged the status quo, advocating for the perspectives of women, children, and disadvantaged groups that were often marginalised. Lady Hale's landmark rulings in areas such as domestic violence, divorce, mental health, and equality were a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice and fairness.

The book touches on her most globally-recognised moment when she adjudged the 2019 prorogation of Parliament unlawful, a decision that underscored her commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles. Yet, this was merely a highlight in a lifelong career devoted to pioneering reform and smashing glass ceilings.

Wise, warm, and inspiring, Spider Woman offers a profound insight into how the law interacts with daily life and supports society during times of crisis. Lady Hale's life story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with resilience and determination, anyone can overcome the odds, no matter their beginnings. This book is not just a memoir; it is a powerful affirmation that anyone can achieve greatness.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Summarising reviews of Spider Woman by Lady Hale, it is described as wise, accessible, and essential for those interested in justice, freedom, and equality. The memoir is praised for being restrained, warm, and dryly funny, serving as an inspiration, particularly for women to aim high. Reviewers highlight Hale as an inspirational figure and a feminist icon whose personal and career story is both fascinating and significant for those in or interested in the law.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529114041

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 226g

Pages: 288

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Brenda Hale, Rt Hon Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE, was born in Yorkshire and studied Law at Girton College, Cambridge. She was called to the Bar in 1969 and spent almost twenty years in academia alongside working as a part-time barrister. In 1984, Lady Hale became the first woman and the youngest person to be appointed to the Law Commission. During her nine years there, she would oversee critical reforms in family law. She was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1989. Lady Hale became a judge in the Family Division of the High Court of Justice in 1994 and in 2004 was made the United Kingdom's first woman Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. She was appointed Deputy President of the Supreme Court in 2013, and ultimately served as President from 2017 to 2020.

More from Biography & Memoir

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.