Daughter of a Surrey clergyman Emily Faithfull was a prolific author and a dedicated propagandist and pioneer for women's rights in employment; member of Langham Place circle, group dedicated to press for reform in women's legal rights, including suffrage; founded the Victoria Press at Great Coram Street, London, in 1860, as a printers employing women; became an author as well as a printer and publisher, and also became an accomplished public speaker.