Edith Thomas, writing at the middle of the 20th century, is a French historian and thinker who has recently recaptured the attention of critical historians, but has yet to reach the acclaim she deserves. All told, Thomas’ work includes seven novels, a collection of short stories about the French Resistance, eight historical and critical studies, and a significant body of journalism. Her outstanding account of the women of the Paris Commune makes one of the most important and insightful contributions to political history to date.