Diane Atkinson lives in Shoreditch, London. She was born in the North-East and educated in
Cornwall and London, where she completed a Ph.D. on the politics of women's sweated labour.
She taught history at secondary schools in London before moving to the Museum of London,
where she worked as a lecturer and curator, specialising in women's history. She is the author of
two illustrated history books, Suffragettes in Pictures and Funny Girls: Cartooning for Equality.
She has also written two biographies, Love & Dirt: The marriage of Arthur Munby & Hannah
Cullwick and Elsie and Mairi Go to War: Two Extraordinary Women on the Western Front.

Latest News:

New Events Elsie and Mairi Go to...
There are 3 new forthcoming events at the National Army Museum,
Marlborough Local History Society and the Cumbrian Literature Festival Theatre.
For further information please go to the menu item Literary Events

New Blog Elsie and Mairi Go to...
Diane Atkinson has written three new pieces for her blog.
Please go to the menu item Blog

Latest Review The Scotsman
Madonnas of the Western Front by Emma Cowing.
If you missed it, the article can be viewed on the Reviews page of this website.
Monday 7 December 2009 issue, page 85

Campaign Launch Sculpture of Elsie and Mairi
Diane Atkinson has launched a campaign to install a sculpture of Elsie and Mairi in London.
Please go to the menu item Campaign to learn more and perhaps offer your support.

Book Launch Elsie and Mairi Go to War
Click on the photos for a larger view

Above: A selection of photos taken at the launch of Elsie and Mairi Go to War on Tuesday 7 July 2009. Left: Random House presented this lovely gift of herbs to Diane Atkinson at the book launch.

In Praise of Elsie and Mairi Go To War:


Kathryn Hughes Mail on Sunday
In this brilliant biography Diane Atkinson does a lot more than simply remind us of a story that deserves to be more widely known. She also gives us a ripping yarn about two plucky English gels who performed miracles while also having the time of their lives.


Val Hennessy Daily Mail
Atkinson offers us a remarkable, almost fly-on-the-wall depiction of the World War 1 battlegrounds… All congratulations to her for a fascinating study and for offering these neglected heroines the honour and acclaim they so justly deserve.


Leo McKinstry Daily Express
The tale of the two heroines is told with relish by Diane Atkinson, who has done extensive research on their lives. She captures the essence of their characters.


James Millar Sunday Post
The tale of the two heroines is told with relish by Diane Atkinson, who has done extensive research on their lives. She captures the essence of their characters.


Christina Hardyment BBC History Magazine
Diane Atkinson has mapped a vivid and accurate record of their valour… The story of their extraordinary perseverance and resource under fire is both enthralling, and, from history’s perspective, heartbreaking.