Primitive Civilizations; Or, Outlines of the History of Ownership in Archaic Communities

Edith Simcox (1844–1901) was a prominent British feminist, social critic, and prolific writer. She published many articles and essays advocating support for women's rights to education, improved working conditions and suffrage. Her scholarly works in philosophy and economic history sought to demonstrate that contemporary capitalism was not the only route to a prosperous society. These volumes, first published in 1897, contain a comparative analysis of the economic history of ancient societies. Simcox discusses and compares aspects of economic history including ownership, industry and commerce, and domestic relations and ownership rights within families, in ancient Egypt, Sumeria and China. Through her comparisons, this pioneering volume examines economic effects on the proprietary rights of women, demonstrating that gender relations and contemporary ideals were not consistent across ancient cultures. Volume 1 contains her discussions of Egypt and Babylonia.