Edith Simcox (1844–1901) was a prominent British feminist, social critic and prolific writer. She published many articles and essays advocating support for women's right to education, improved working conditions and suffrage. Her scholarly works in philosophy and economic history sought to demonstrate that contemporary capitalism was not the only route to a prosperous society. Her articles appeared in many periodicals and among her books are Natural Law (1877) and the two-volume Primitive Civilizations (1894), both also reissued in this series. Simcox was an admirer and friend of the novelist George Eliot (1819–80), and her second book, published in 1882, is a collection of essays on a range of subjects, some of which were inspired by events in Eliot's life. Simcox uses her writings to explore melancholy, love, loss and longing through stories and sketches.