This biography chronicles the multifaceted life of Elizabeth Robins, a pivotal figure in late 19th and early 20th-century Anglo-American cultural history. Angela John meticulously details Robins's career as an actress who championed Ibsen in Britain, her prolific literary output including novels and non-fiction, and her active involvement in the Edwardian suffragette movement. The book explores Robins's extensive social and intellectual network, featuring figures like Henry James and Virginia Woolf, and examines her transatlantic experiences from the American Civil War era to mid-20th century England. By situating Robins's achievements within the broader context of British and American cultural history, John investigates the construction of historical identities.

This biography is positioned as a significant work for historians, theatre studies scholars, and students, as well as general readers interested in biography and the Edwardian era. The book's detailed examination of Elizabeth Robins's life and her contributions to theatre, literature, and social movements suggests it offers a rich portrait of a complex historical figure. By situating her within both British and American cultural contexts, the work aims to illuminate the construction of identity across different national and historical landscapes. The author's focus on Robins's energy, talent, and versatility indicates a comprehensive and engaging narrative.