Judith Brett: ”Fearless Beatrice Faust: Sex, Feminism and Body Politics”

In this episode of Biographers in Conversation, award-winning political historian and biographer Dr Judith Brett chats with Dr Gabriella Kelly-Davies about her choices while crafting Fearless Beatrice Faust: Sex, Feminism and Body Politics.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• How Judith Brett discovered Beatrice Faust’s story.
• Why Judith was inspired to craft Fearless Beatrice Faust. 
• How Beatrice Faust captures a vivid chapter of Australia’s feminist history.
• How in 1972, Beatrice Faust founded the Women’s Electoral Lobby, empowering Australian women voters and challenging politicians to listen.
• The tension between Faust’s bold public crusades and the private struggles she concealed.
• Why Brett structured Fearless Beatrice Faust around themes instead of a timeline, complete with provocative chapter titles like ‘Becoming Notorious’ to highlight the recurring battles in Faust’s life.
• The psychological depth behind Faust’s fiery persona, from her rebellious intellect and fierce independence to the vulnerable moments that fuelled her passion.
• How Judith Brett balances her authorial voice with Beatrice’s unique voice to create a biography that’s both captivating and scholarly.
• Why Beatrice Faust’s fearless fight for women’s rights is as vital in 2025 as it was in 1972.