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Swell

A Waterbiography The Sunday Times SPORT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017
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( 314 ratings, 59 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
Swell by Jenny Landreth explores the history of the "swimming suffragettes"—women who fought for equal access to swimming between the 19th and 20th centuries. Swimming, once dominated by men, was a restricted activity for women, who faced arrest for swimming in lakes and were only grudgingly allowed equal rights by the 1930s. Through a combination of social history and personal memoir, the book celebrates these trailblazing women and examines why swimming continues to attract so many female enthusiasts today.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

This book will appeal to readers interested in sports history, women's rights, and social change, as well as swimming enthusiasts and those who enjoy memoirs with a humorous and insightful tone.

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A funny and bold account of how women fought their way into the water, and of what they did once they got there.

Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2017. Part social history, part memoir, Swell shines a light on the ‘swimming suffragettes’.

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

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017

Part social history, part memoir, Swell shines a light on the ‘swimming suffragettes’.

These days, swimming may seem like an egalitarian pastime, open to anyone with a swimsuit – but this wasn’t always the case. In the 19th century, swimming was almost exclusively the domain of men. Women were (barely) allowed to swim in the sea, but even into the 20th century they could be arrested if they dared dive into a lake. It wasn’t until the 1930s that women were reluctantly granted equal access. This is the story of the swimming suffragettes who made that possible; women who took on the status quo, and won.

Swell celebrates some amazing achievements, some ridiculous outfits and some fantastic swimmers who challenge the stereotypes of what women are capable of. It’s also the story of how Jenny eventually came to be a keen swimmer herself.

This book is a joyful hymn to the sport and an exploration of why swimming attracts so many women. It is dedicated to our brilliant swimming foremothers who collectively made it possible for any woman to plunge in however and wherever we choose.

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?

Swell is praised for its instructive and often humorous recounting of forgotten stories in women's sports history. It is described as a brilliantly funny, inspiring, and joyful read that appeals to both swimmers and non-swimmers alike. The writing's witty tone and engaging storytelling make it feel like a lively stand-up routine. Notable endorsements include recommendations from The Times, Daily Mail, and New Statesman, highlighting the book's unique blend of memoir and social history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472938961

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 February 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport

Illustration: 1 x 16 page colour plate section

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 290g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Jenny Landreth is a script editor and writer. She has written two guide books – on the great trees of London, and on the best places to swim in the capital. Jenny was the main contributor to the Guardian’s weekly swimming blog, writing on everything from pool rules, to swimming with children, and where to swim in New York. She lives in London. @jennylandreth

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