An Original Letter signed by Sarah Grand (Frances Elizabeth Bellenden Clarke) Dated 1923. Sarah Grand 1854 – 1943 was an English feminist writer active from 1873 to 1922. Her work revolved around the New Woman ideal. She used her experience of suffocation in marriage and the joy of consequent liberation in her fictional depictions of pre-suffrage women with few political rights and options, trapped in oppressive marriages. Clarke renamed herself Sarah Grand in 1893 with the publication by Heinemann of her novel The Heavenly Twins. This feminine pen name represented the archetype of the "New Woman" developed by her and her female colleagues. Grand established the phrase "New Woman" in a debate with Ouida in 1894. Her work dealt with the New Woman in fiction and also in fact; Grand wrote treatises on the subject of the failure of marriage. The New Woman novel was a development of the late 19th century. New Woman novelists and characters encouraged and supported several types of political action in Britain. For some women, the New Woman movement provided support for women who wanted to work and learn for themselves, and who started to question the idea of marriage and the inequality of women. For other women, especially Sarah Grand, the New Woman movement allowed women to speak out not only about the inequality of women, but about middle-class women's responsibilities to the nation. Letter reads 'Dear Sir, If I could I would gladly have accepted the invitation with which you have honoured me, to speak at your League of Nations meeting on Friday November 2nd. I regret to say that it is not possible. I am engaged on the day itself and on the day preceding and following it. The movement is indeed of vital importance to the world at large. We are doing what spade work we can here, but are not making much ---. Please accept my best wishes for the success of your effort, and for the cordial welcome you so kindly offer me. I am sure I should greatly have enjoyed the occasion. Believe me, Sincerely yours, Sarah Grand'. Size is 165mm x 115mm. Condition is good. Light age toning. Gum marks to rear.