This work has been conducted thanks to a postdoctoral contract with the FWO (Flanders Research Foundation): Transnational Perspectives on Swedish Feminism: The European Roots of the Debate on the “Woman Question” in Swedish Periodicals (1858–1908). This work would not have been possible without the support, trust, encouragement, and feedback of many colleagues, friends, and relatives to whom I owe so much gratitude. During my regular trips to Swedish archives in Stockholm and Gothenburg I benefitted from the vital help of Rachel Pierce, research coordinator and archivist, in charge of women studies at Gothenburg University and KvinnSam. My co-mentor Anna Nordenstam introduced me to a vibrant network of Swedish scholars, including Åsa Arping and Yvonne Leffler. I came back laden with new books and fresh ideas. Back in Brussels and my lovely colleagues from Ghent and the VUB, I must extend my thanks to Louise Benson James, Julie Birkholz, Marysa Demoor, Cedric Van Dijck, Birgit Van Puymbroeck for their individual help in the making of this book. My most heartfelt gratitude goes to my mentor Marianne Van Remoortel thanks to whom everything, and perhaps anything, is possible. Your patience, kindness, and professionalism have been the invaluable companions of my labour. I tried this once without you and it didn’t work! I would like to thank Christa Stevens, Masja Horn, and the editors at Brill for their feedback and encouragement, and especially for trusting me with an entire makeover of the book after a COVID plagued initial manuscript.
On a more personal level I am very grateful for the constant support of my parents and enthusiasm of my Swedish family. On a daily basis, most often for better, the presence and advice of my wonderful husband Olivier and my three daughters, Madeleine, Eléonore, and Gwenaëlle, not to forget Whisky the dog, a patient and loving companion, has thoroughly helped me through this project.