In the 1890s the British Empire was a superpower. Imperialism was considered much more than aggressive colonization and cultural subjugation. Many believed that expanding the empire was vital for mankind's betterment-a conviction championed by the journalist F. Shaw.
First a special correspondent and later colonial editor for The Times, Shaw shocked readers when she revealed she was a female journalist. Flora Shaw was the first woman to achieve a senior position with a major newspaper, a stunning accomplishment in misogynistic, male-dominated Victorian England.
The Journalist recounts Shaw's remarkable life, as told by her great-niece Jos Scharrer, revealing a complex, multifaceted woman who fought male expectations and befriended suffragettes while staunchly supporting imperialist expansion.
An integral figure in the backroom scheming that lead to the reckless Jameson Raid, Shaw remained convinced in the raid's disastrous aftermath that the attempt to seize South Africa for the empire was the right choice. And yet, this arch imperialist also showed herself to be a humanitarian, when she organized care for 250,000 Belgian refugees during WWI.
Imperialist and journalist. Humanitarian and political conspirator. Nothing was simple about Flora Shaw, making her story a unique and fascinating read.
About the Author: Jos Scharrer was born in the coastal town of East London, South Africa. At age twenty-one she began her writing career with East London's Daily Dispatch, quickly rising to the position of feature editor.
After marrying Richard Scharrer, she moved to Amsterdam, where she lived for several years. Upon returning to South Africa she worked as an advertising copywriter for VZ Lund and Tredoux, eventually becoming the company's executive creative director before transitioning to the same position with BBDO South Africa. In 1984, Scharrer founded Scharrer Advertising, growing the company into one of the nation's largest independent agencies.
Scharrer is the recipient of many advertising awards, including two Loerie Grand Prix awards, a Cannes Advertising Festival award, and several New York Advertising Festival awards.
A mother of three and grandmother of six, Scharrer wrote her debut book, The Journalist, about her famous great-aunt, Flora Shaw.
