Dorothea Beale of Cheltenham by Elizabeth Rakes is a fascinating biography of the outstanding educator and reformer who pioneered female education in Cheltenham. The book details the life of Dorothea Beale - from her youth and struggle for education to the great legacy she left behind in the field of women's education. The author painted a portrait of a strong, resilient woman who opposed conservative ideas about women's place in society and opened new opportunities for women in the field of education. This book is a must for anyone interested in the history of education, the women's movement, and strong female characters."