Rebecca West

21 December 1892–15 March 1983

British feminist, writer and critic.

 

I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat or a prostitute.

The Clarion, 14 November 1913

 

It was in dealing with the early feminist that the government acquired the tact and skilfulness with which it is now handling Ireland.

1916

Whatever happens, never forget that people would rather be led to perdition by a man than to victory by a woman.

In conversation in 1979, quoted in the Sunday Telegraph 17 Jan 1988

 

There are two kinds of imperialists - imperialists and bloody imperialists.

Freewoman, 23 November 1911

 

There is, of course, no reason for the existance of the male sex except that one sometimes needs help with moving the piano.

Quoted in Victoria Glendinning's 'Rebecca West'

 

Hatred of domestic work is a natural and admirable result of civilization.

 

God forbid that any book should be banned. The practice is as indefensible as infacticide.

 

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