Polly Plum

Discover the compelling biography of one of New Zealand's earliest feminists, Mary Ann Colclough, in 'Polly Plum' by Jenny Coleman. This meticulously researched book sheds light on the captivating life of Mary Ann, who arrived in New Zealand in 1857 and became a prominent voice for women's rights. Known by her pen name 'Polly Plum,' she was a journalist for the 'Daily Southern Cross' and 'Weekly News,' where she passionately argued for women's societal positions amidst fierce public scrutiny. Through her letters and public debates, Mary Ann Colclough became a significant figure in the feminist movement, a legacy that Jenny Coleman beautifully captures in this 296-page paperback biography. With dimensions of 165 x 230 mm, this book not only recounts Mary Ann's tumultuous journey but also reclaims her vital role in the women's movement, asserting her influence equaled to that of Kate Sheppard. A must-read for anyone interested in New Zealand's feminist history, 'Polly Plum' empowers readers by showcasing how one woman's courage and voice shaped the narrative of women's rights in the 19th century. Dive into history and celebrate the life of a true pioneer. This invaluable biography offers rich insights into the history of feminism in New Zealand and inspires contemporary readers to reflect on women's issues today.

Author: Jenny Coleman Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 165 x 230 mm
Pages: 296


Polly Plum is a biography of one of New Zealand’s earliest feminists, Mary Ann Colclough, whose publicly voiced opinions saw her described in the nineteenth century as ‘our own little stray strap of a modern female fanatic’. English-born Mary Ann Barnes came to New Zealand in 1857, and soon gained notoriety for her outspokenness on issues relating to women’s position in society. A teacher and also a journalist for the Daily Southern Cross and the Weekly News under the nom de plume ‘Polly Plum’, she also engaged in public debates through the letters to the editor columns, undeterred by becoming ‘the best abused woman in New Zealand in the present day’. In this fine biography, Jenny Coleman argues that Mary Ann Colclough’s contribution to the women’s movement in nineteenth-century New Zealand is at least equal to that of Kate Sheppard. A good two decades ahead of the organised women’s movement, ‘Polly Plum’ began politicising women by writing about the realities of their daily lives, what needed to change and how. Coleman here reclaims Mary Ann Colclough’s place in New Zealand’s feminist history by bringing her life and contributions to a wider audience.