Iron Girl in a Velvet Glove: The Life of Joan Rhodes

Joan Rhodes, a strongwoman from 1920s London, overcame poverty and hardship to become a successful performer, rubbing shoulders with celebrities and performing for the Queen. She was a champion for the fairer sex and her story is told in the documentary "An Iron Girl in a Velvet Glove."

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Joan Rhodes, a remarkable woman with an extraordinary talent, left audiences speechless with her awe-inspiring feats. She effortlessly bent steel bars with her teeth, tore large phone books into quarters, and lifted two men simultaneously. However, what made her performances even more remarkable was the fact that they were all true. Joan possessed a superstrength, a product of her unwavering determination to survive the harsh realities of her life.

Born into poverty in 1920s London, Joan faced a childhood marked by hardship and abandonment. Despite the adversities she encountered, she managed to rise above her circumstances and achieve greatness. Her journey to the top of her profession was filled with challenges and obstacles, but her unwavering spirit and resilience propelled her forward.

Joan's crowning glory was her performance for the Queen at Windsor Castle. It was a moment that showcased her extraordinary talent and earned her the admiration of countless people. Along the way, she formed lifelong friendships with renowned figures such as Fred Astaire, Bob Hope, and Sammy Davis Jnr. Her ability to connect with others, regardless of their backgrounds, was a testament to her remarkable character.

Biographer Triona Holden, who met Joan in her later years, was determined to ensure that her friend's legacy would be preserved. After Joan's passing, Triona embarked on a mission to secure her place in history. She appeared on the popular TV show "The Repair Shop" to share the strongwoman's story, and she painstakingly combed through archives to retrace her journey to stardom.

Joan saw herself as a freak, but in reality, she was a champion for the so-called fairer sex. At a time when women were still groomed for marriage and expected to adhere to traditional roles, Joan defied societal expectations and pursued her own unique path. She was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

Through her captivating story, "An Iron Girl in a Velvet Glove" sheds light on the fascinating and tumultuous life of Joan Rhodes. It explores her struggles, triumphs, and the unwavering spirit that drove her forward. Joan's journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women around the world, reminding them that they can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 146 x 225 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750996792