Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerned with the first forty-four years of Margery Fry's life, is titled 'Becoming Miss Fry', because it explores the experiences and influences that helped create the persona before she took up penal reform. It focuses on Fry's influential Quaker family background, childhood and education. The book covers Fry's career in higher education from 1899 to 1914. It examines Fry's life immediately before, during and after the First World War, an event which precipitated the most significant turning point in her career. The book argues that Fry's Quaker background was of only marginal significance in her decision to enter penal reform politics. It analyses Fry's reasons for taking a job in the Penal Reform League and the strategy she adopted for its future and for strengthening the penal reform cause.