But then, as I discovered in researching her adventurous and bewilderingly eventful life, Anne wrote a great deal about everything. Africa – Africa!”These are my 10 choices of books about the remarkable lives of women in the British Empire. Travels in West Africa by Mary KingsleyEven among this indomitable breed of women, Mary stands out for her daring. The Grass Is Singing by Doris LessingA novel out of Africa, and one that anticipated the end of empire with relish. The Empire Triptych by Jan MorrisI read Pax Britannica when Jan was still James, I was still in my 20s and empire seemed still within reach.

Source: The Guardian November 23, 2016 14:04 UTC