First edition of the pioneering feminist's final "public contribution to the women's movement" (ODNB). Drawn from the English Woman's Journal, which Parkes established with Barbara Bodichon in 1858, this book includes essays on teaching, charity, and women in business. Parkes was the editor and most frequent contributor to the Journal, which was distinguished as the first British feminist periodical. It was "eloquent, informed, and passionate on the subject of more meaningful lives for middle-class women and more tolerable and varied working conditions for working women" (ODNB). Small octavo. Head- and tailpieces, floriated initials. With 16 pp. of publisher's advertisements dated April 1865 at rear. Original red pebble-grain cloth, spine lettered in gilt, spine and front cover ruled in black and gilt, rear cover ruled in blind, dark green coated endpapers, bevelled edges, binder's ticket of Burn to rear pastedown. Corners bumped, spine ends worn, rear joint split but holding firm, spi