A funny and bold account of how women fought their way into the water, and of what they did once they got there.

These days, swimming may seem like the most egalitarian of pastimes, open to anyone with a swimsuit--but this wasn't always the case. In the 19th century, swimming was exclusively the domain of men, and access to pools was a luxury limited by class. It wasn't until the 1930s that women were finally, and reluctantly, granted access to the water without the threat of arrest. This is the story of the women who made that possible, a thank-you to the fearless "swimming suffragettes" who took on the status quo, fought for equal access, and won.

Part social history, part memoir, Swell celebrates some amazing achievements, some ridiculous outfits, and some fantastic swimmers who challenge the stereotypes of what women are capable of. It's also the story of how Jenny Landreth eventually came to be a keen swimmer herself.

Swell is a joyful hymn to the sport and an exploration of why swimming attracts so many women. Ultimately, it is a book dedicated to our brilliant swimming foremothers who collectively made it possible for any woman to plunge in with alacrity, anywhere we choose.