The twentieth-century British schoolgirl was a particularly interesting icon for me to explore during my research into girls' school stories because it was possible for me to take the part of the subject as well as the researcher. As a former British schoolgirl and a continuing reader of girls' school stories, I was especially interested in the various relationships between my own schooldays and my study of the books.

Black and white illustration of three old-fashioned schoolgirls in a school cloakroom, two of them towering over the third and appearing to be arguing with herI. Origins

II. Primary School

III. High School

IV. Dancing School

V. Out of School

VI. Leaving School

VII. Afterthoughts

VIII. Bibliography

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Dr Ju Gosling aka ju90's ABNORMAL: How Britain became body dysphoric and the key to a cure is available now for just £3.09 for the Kindle or in a limited-edition hardback with full-colour art plates for £20 inc UK postage and packing. Book cover