Carole Seymour-Jones, who has died aged 72, was a biographer of distinction and a leading light in the writers’ association English Pen. Her books were especially effective when recounting the lives of determined but emotionally vulnerable women. Her advocacy of human rights, especially the rights of authors unjustly incarcerated by intolerant regimes, was exceptionally articulate; she contributed to the release of many and publicised the plight of countless others.
Her first book, Beatrice Webb: A Life (1992), later subtitled Woman of Conflict, told the story of the Fabian social worker and co-operative economist, with fresh revelations about her private emotions. Everyone knew of Beatrice’s marriage and partnership with Sidney Webb, but her passion for Joseph Chamberlain provided Seymour-Jones with far less familiar material.
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