Gertrude Stein

Gertude Stein, American poet, writer and art collector, lived most of her life in France.

She was one of the first people to spot the genius of Picasso, Cezanne and Matisse, and she believed she was a genius too. Opinion on that score remains divided.

Erin Pizzey nominates Stein because she inspired her to ‘live a life without compromise’.

Since setting up the world's first refuge for battered women in 1971, Pizzey has campaigned and written about domestic violence, publishing ‘Scream Quietly Or The Neighbours Will Hear’ and her autobiography ‘This Way To The Revolution’.

Joining presenter Matthew Parris in the studio is Diana Souhami, author of ‘Gertrude and Alice’.

Producer: Isobel Eaton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2012.