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list price: $19.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Biography & Autobiography
published: Oct 2015
ISBN:9781771030687
publisher: Breakwater Books Ltd.

Ahead of Her Time

Select Writings of Dora Russell

by Elizabeth Miller, introduction by Bernice Morgan

tagged: editors, journalists, publishers, women
Description

Few today have ever heard of Dora Russell (1912-1986), let alone read any of her work. At best, some might recognize the name of the wife of Ted Russell, the creator of Uncle Mose and the fictitious outport of Pigeon Inlet. But Dora was also a writer, as prolific (maybe even more so) as her husband. She was certainly much more than just the woman behind the man. Ahead Of Her Time: Selected Writings of Dora Russell offers a cross-section of her work, beginning with her years as Woman's Editor with the Evening Telegram (1945-48). Before long, she found herself in the midst of discussions emanating from the National Convention and the two referenda that led to Confederation. Two of her regular columns focused on political and social events from a uniquely female perspective, sprinkled with touches of humor and satire. She also wrote profiles of 240 prominent Newfoundland women, a superb contribution to the social history of Newfoundland in the 1940s. For her time Dora was quite remarkable. With four small children at home, she successfully carved out a niche for herself in Newfoundland journalism, setting a fine example for those who would follow.In the early 1950s, she branched out into other types of writing, notably personal essays, short stories and radio scripts. She did create one more column - "All About Stars" - which drew high praise from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

About the Authors
Elizabeth Miller was born in St. John’s in 1939, the second of five children of Ted and Dora Russell. She spent her entire career as an educator, first as a high school teacher and principal (at Joe Batt’s Arm), followed by over thirty years on faculty with the English Department at Memorial University. During the 1970s and 1980s, Elizabeth edited numerous collections of the stories of Uncle Mose and published two full-length biographies (on Ted Russell and Norman Duncan). In the early 1990s, her scholarly pursuits took an unusual turn. Elizabeth is now internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s foremost Dracula scholars, having published six books on the subject along with dozens of articles. Her expertise is sought for TV documentaries and magazine articles around the world. She has been the recipient of several accolades: Graduate Studies Award for Thesis Excellence (1988); President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching (1991); Baroness of the House of Dracula (Romania, 1995); Daughter of Aref (Romania, 2000); and Professor Emerita, Memorial University (2005). Elizabeth has one son (Dennis) and since her retirement in 2002 has resided in Toronto.

Bernice Morgan was born in preconfederate Newfoundland. She has worked for many years in public relations, first with Memorial University of Newfoundland, and later with Newfoundland Teachers’ Association. Many of her short stories have been published in small magazines, anthologies and school textbooks. The mother of two daughters and a son, she lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Random Passage, the 4-part television mini-series, based on her book, aired on CBC Television, beginning January 27, 2002.
Editorial Review

At a time when women were supposed to confine their interests (let alone their writing) to the kitchen, Dora Russell refused to let her work stop at the pantry door. From the most basic civic issues to the star-flung heights of exploration she had an opinion, and a voice-and a way with words. Joan Sullivan, author of In the Field

Ahead of Her Time: Select Writings of Dora Russell, edited by her daughter Elizabeth Miller, is a captivating mix of politics, humour and reflections on family life... The juxtaposition of politics and homemaking is irresistible: in one diary entry she celebrates her husband's win in Newfoundland's first provincial election, and in the next she is planting flower seeds in her garden. Dora Russell's voice come across clearly through her writing as someone you would love to know better.

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