A Woman and the War

"A Woman and the War" by the Countess of Warwick is a collection of essays written during the early 20th century, specifically reflecting on the societal impacts of World War I. The book provides a woman's perspective on the challenges and sacrifices faced during wartime, touching upon themes such as social reform, women’s roles, and the critique of political authority. The author draws upon her experiences and insights to voice concerns regarding the war's influence on society, particularly the implications for women and the working class. The opening of the work introduces the Countess's preface, where she reflects on the tumultuous period of war and its effects on governance and freedom. She expresses a strong belief in the citizens' need to remain vigilant and critical of their leaders, arguing against the blind loyalty often fostered during wartime propaganda. The initial chapter begins a detailed discussion about King Edward and the Kaiser, representing her intent to debunk misconceptions about historical relationships between England and Germany leading up to the war, positioning the book as a critical reflection on political narratives and the necessity for greater citizen awareness and action amidst crisis. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frances Evelyn "Daisy" Greville, Countess of Warwick was a British socialite and philanthropist. Although embedded in late-Victorian British high society, she was also a campaigning socialist, supporting many schemes to aid the less well-off in education, housing, employment, and pay, and was often known as the "Red Countess". She established colleges for the education of women in agriculture and market gardening, first in Reading, then in Studley. She established a needlework school and employment scheme in Essex as well as using her ancestral homes to host events and schemes for the benefit of her tenants and workers. Greville was a long-term confidant or mistress to the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.