Reviews (15)

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

A must-read
This book is absolutely fabulous and was hard to put down.More than just another book about the flappers, it tells a thorough comprehensive story about American culture and society in the 1920s, from so many angles, pertinent to both women and society as a whole--clothing, advertising, cars, smoking, dating, sex, drinking, the movies, literature, feminism, higher education, racism, the haves and have-nots, and illustrators.Along the way we also read about vivid personalities of the era, such as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Clara Bow, Lois Long, Colleen Moore, Louise Brooks, John Held, Jr., Bruce Barton, Coco Chanel, and Gordon Conway (a woman, in spite of the masculine name).It also chronicles the events and social forces in the decades prior to the Twenties, showing how all of these things came together and ultimately led up to the first truly modern era, an era that actually began around the time of WWI, not when the Twenties began, as many people might think.Things such as women wearing more comfortable and revealing clothing, young people going on dates and even having premarital sex instead of having closely-chaperoned "courtships," and pop culture and advertisements assuming great importance in how people saw and created their sense of reality just intensified and became more prominent as the Twenties began.These changes in society and women didn't take place in a vacuum or happen overnight.
Packed full of great information!
I bought this book after reading the reviews of several books covering the Roaring 20s.I needed not just facts and figures, but the feel of the era, since I was researching for a short fiction story set then.Joshua Zeitz did it all, covering both individual experiences as well as the essence of the time.
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Subjects:  1. Artists    2. Biography    3. Celebrities    4. History    5. History - U.S.    6. History Of Women (General)    7. History: American    8. United States    9. United States - 20th Century    10. United States - 20th Century/20s    11. United States History (Specific Aspects)    12. Women    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Women's Studies - History    15. History / United States / 20th Century   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    2. Feminism    3. History    4. History: World    5. Nihilism    6. Sociology    7. Soviet Union    8. Women    9. Women's Studies - History    10. European History    11. Gender Studies    12. History / Russia (pre- & post-Soviet Union)    13. History-Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    14. Russia   

Reviews (31)

Busting myths - being a lady isn't about being subserviant
Before this book the word lady symbolized a New England society debutant in a courtsy at her debut. It seemed restrictive but this book offers a more expanded and actually quite inspiring interpretation... being a lady does include stating your mind, having a leadership role, enjoying adventure, and so forth. It's like an etiquette coach once said - class does not equal cash. Ladies can be strong, wise, outspoken, but at its core ... it is about having self-respect and learning from our mistakes with grace.

Charming & inspiring!
I really enjoyed this book, and learned several things that I wanted to know, and several things about which I knew nothing and am glad I know now so I can change my behavior or actions accordingly.It's a mix of common sense, golden rules, defining what a lady is and what it means - a very positive and enchanting term! -do's and don'ts, and how to handle certain situations.In addition, there's enlightening quotes and short anecdotes from ladies we all admire and respect.It does cover some etiquette as well, but is not an all-out etiquette guide.Generally, a lady has good etiquette.For etiquette specifics one may not be certain about, references to other excellent books are provided.This is a quick and easy read and the needed information can be found without difficulty and assimilated without being overwhelmed.I found this book charming, and would recommend it to others seeking practical information on polishing one's image and wanting to feel like and be a lady in the many roles in which we work and live!

Simple and Pure - and a Light Snack for Thought
I picked up this book because the title intrigued me - perhaps mostly because I am from an era that looked at the title "Lady" with more than a bit of contempt.
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Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Reference    4. Sociology    5. Women's Studies - History   

Reviews (1)

Good Idea.....Not Well Executed
I was very excited about this book when I found it.As a woman of faith, I thought it would be interesting to see examples of women who had combined their feminist viewpoints with their faith.How they battled a world dominated by men with their religion as well.However, the book did not live up to the promise.The book is made to feature five women:St. Teresa of Avila, Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Emily Dickinson and Dorothy Day.While each story is compelling, it is all to brief.Each women have one chapter each, which gives basically a brief life story.It does not really go into depth how these women implemented their faith into their quest for women's right.It seemed more of an overview, designed for a class to discuss.Not for the solitary reader.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Christian biography    3. Christian women    4. Faith    5. Feminism    6. Feminism & Feminist Theory    7. Religion    8. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    9. Religious aspects    10. Spirituality - Women's    11. Women's Studies - History    12. Religion / General   

Reviews (8)

Some misinformation, but overall very good
I love the Guerilla Girls site and I love what they stand for. The new book about stereotypes of women is fun and informative.The section on Tokyo Rose is enlightening and rather sad, and kudos to them for exposing some of the myths of the "sainted" Mother Theresa. These things need to be said and recorded. Good book for smart women!
This book details some of the stereotypes faced by women.I use it in my college classes.The most interesting part is in the back on the book where they describe stereotypes like Barbie Dolls.This book really makes you think about what it means to be a woman and how men try to put us into these catagories.So read the book, shake things up, and confuse the guys by not giving them what they're looking for!

Go read it in the bookstore!
The Guerilla Girls are cool.I am not disputing that.I am also not disputing that what they say in this book is true.It is.Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminism & Feminist Theory    2. Gender Studies    3. Psychology    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Stereotype (Psychology)    7. Women    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Women's Studies - History    10. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (10)

Snapshot look
I found this to be a good book for those of us who were not around when many of these first ladies were.This book can also be a stepping stone to picking up a complete bio on one or more of them.

Good Weekend Read
I haven't read the Clinton chapter yet, but on a whole the book doesn't seem to generate any bias.Her treatment of Nixon and Carter's wife seem fair.Each chapter seems relatively short, though, considering the context of history.Almost as if more detailed research could have been done on each wife.Overall the read is entertaining and positively predictable, written in a well thought-out pattern.The analogies comparing each one to the other, strengths and weaknesses are of value.
Her witing is as grating as her voice!
My wife was given this book as a gift. I thought i would give it a try. I could not take any more than 1/2 hour of nausea. The witer subjects the reader to a journey of egotistical sermons, Someone should teach her her to take a breath and to tell herself that she does not have all the anwers. What a know-it-all chauvinistic person. I gave the book to my wife and she put it down afte 10 minutes. I then asked her what she had done wrong to the person who gifted her with the book to cause her to be subjected to this diatribe! I wish this woman wou;d stop nd listen to herself. I truly believe she xould stand a degree of humility. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: American    5. Political activity    6. Presidents    7. Presidents' spouses    8. United States    9. United States - 20th Century    10. Women's Studies - History    11. History / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (2)

A virtual life saver
Were it not for this book, I seriously doubt I would have passed my women's history course. The editors were able to compile an impresive selection of scholarship that explained what my instructor could not. A powerful presentation.
The third edition of this superb multicultural reader in U.S. women's history provides an essential work of powerful resources blending voices new to this edition with excellent feminist perspectives. Unequal Sistersincludes over twenty new essays written by women in the six years since thelast edition, with contributors ranging from Joyce Antler and Ellen CarolDubois to Vicki L. Ruiz. A powerful presentation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. Cross-cultural studies    3. History    4. Sex role    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Women    8. Women's Studies - History   

Subjects:  1. Family social work    2. History    3. Poor women    4. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    5. Public welfare    6. Sociology    7. United States    8. United States - General    9. Women's Studies - History    10. Political Science / General    11. Social welfare & social services   

Reviews (1)

More cited notes to the text than pages in it
Anyone who has read history knows that brutality aimed at 'the other' (whoever 'the other' is) lies at the base of most of the events whose stories survive.Still, reading in Mr. Holland's _Misogyny_ about the millennia of contempt held by the generally stronger half of humanity (a half with almost all the power and wealth within the relative spheres of influence) for the generally less-physically strong half of humanity, makes me consider a version of the reverse of what Freud asked."What more did those men want?"
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Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. History Of Sociological Thought    3. History: World    4. Social History    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology Of Women    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Women's Studies - History    10. World - General    11. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Islam - General    5. Medieval    6. Middle East - General    7. Women's Studies - History    8. History / Medieval   

Subjects:  1. Penology    2. Sociology    3. United States - General    4. Women's Studies - History    5. Prisons    6. Social Science / Women's Studies    7. USA    8. c 1800 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Great Britain    3. History    4. History: World    5. Human Sexuality    6. Law and legislation    7. Prostitution    8. Sexually transmitted diseases    9. Social History    10. Sociology    11. Western Europe - General    12. Women's Studies - History    13. British & Irish history: c 1700 to c 1900    14. English law: criminal law    15. History / Europe / Western    16. United Kingdom, Great Britain    17. c 1700 to c 1800    18. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (19)

AMAZING
This book is extremely informative.I learned so much and she explains how Mernissi checked the reliability of the hadiths.This is definitely a must-read for all muslims as it explains the circumstances surrounding many of the revelations and hadiths which puts them into perspective so that one can understand them.

setting the record straight
The central thesis of this book is relatively straightforward.That is that the original intent and context of many parts of the Qur'an and teachings of the Prophet have been manipulated by those who have an interest in making women unequal in Islam.Mernissi contents that Islam was never meant to be anything other than a religion of equality, and that one must pay attention to the context of questionable verses and hadiths that have been invoked to subjugate women.
The best book on Islam I've ever read.
I have to reiterate: the reveiwers which condemn this book because they don't agree with it are crazy. If you buy one book on Islam, let this be it.
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Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - General    2. Islam - General    3. Muhammad,    4. Muòhammad,    5. Prophet,    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Women in Islam    9. Women in the Hadith    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Women's Studies - History    12. d. 632    13. Islam    14. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. Economic History    2. Economic conditions    3. Employment    4. History    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Women    8. Women's Studies - History    9. Social Science / Women's Studies    10. Sociology, Social Studies   

Editorial Review

"My primary reason for writing this book," explainsVictoria Griffin at the beginning of her fascinating study Read more

Reviews (6)

Slow in the middle but interesting
Examining the lives and situations of mistresses from historical times to the present allows the reader to see how things change and at the time see how much they remain the same.I thought this was a very interesting book, but it did slow down quite a bit in the middle.The author did not distribute her subjects evenly, but wound up concentrating a number of examples around the end/beginning of the 19th/20th centuries -- so much so that I started to confuse some of them together, especially when she started discussing multiple generations of affairs in a family. A must read
Especially for those who label themselves as a "mistress" or those who just want a better understanding of the "other woman" this book is a fascinating read. It's interesting to take a historical look at all the women who have gone before us. (And yet somewhat disconcerting that they thought almost the same things in the same words 150 years ago!) I couldn't put this book down. Thanks to this author for bringing light to a little talked about subject.

Learning from history
At first glance, this book looks more like a history textbook, and if someone were looking for a book to help them get over the pain of an affair, they may feel disappointed.BUT, if you read this book with an open mind, no matter what side of the love triangle you're standing on, you have the opportunity to learn about yourself, your side, and what lies behind all of your motivations and experiences.It is more geared toward the other woman than the wife, but I suggest that the wife read this book in order to understand her own power in the triangle by viewing the side of the other woman.Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Marriage    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Marriage & Family    8. Women's Studies - History    9. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Editorial Review

First published in 1981, this feminist classic began modestly as an academic essay on Emily Dickinson's love poems and letters to her future sister-in-law, Sue Gilbert. In her original introduction, Faderman recalled her surprise at finding these records of an erotic attachment between women that showed no evidence of guilt, anxiety, or the need for secrecy. Yet 60 or 70 years after they were written, the original letters had been bowdlerized by a niece of Dickinson's, who clearly found them too shocking for publication. Why, Faderman wondered, was passionate love between women, once almost universally applauded in the Western world, now almost universally condemned? She learned that the love between Dickinson and Gilbert had many precedents, and that it was only in the late 19th century that medical literature and antifeminism combined to rank women who loved women "somewhere," as she puts it bluntly, "between necrophiliacs and those who had sex with chickens." For this new edition, Faderman explains that she has resisted the urge to update her text, hoping that her exploration of romantic friendship, from French libertine literature through the dawn of feminism through the lesbian panic of the 1920s will still serve as "solace and ammunition" for those hoping to find "a usable past." Read more

Reviews (1)

3.5 stars but this thing doesn't do halves
The author forcefully insists on the real passion between the women that she studies; this becomes to me repetitive and distracting.However, given the historical context of this book, in which a "lesbianrecovery" of history was less accepted, I see the purpose of hertactics.In any case, the author draws together a wealth of evidence thatmakes for fascinating and provocative reading, even if she does lean a bittoo much on literary examples as proof of what attitudes were"really."She makes a strong case, though.Recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: American    3. Lesbian Studies    4. Lesbianism    5. Lesbians    6. Love    7. Psychology    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology Of Women    11. Women's Studies - History    12. Social Science / Lesbian Studies    13. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

For every woman who has ever wondered what the women were doing while generals fought battles and kings beheaded their enemies (and for every man who hasn't), this book is for you. Originally published as Read more

Reviews (14)

I'd like to be kind,but ...
I bought it expecting a "history"book.Instead,I got a compilation of anecdotes and generalizationstold in chronological order. I consider this bookto be apolemic on women's issues,an angry feminist history,rather than any kind of scholarly or even exploratory work in history.Needless to say,I wasdisappointed.Historians today are looking at how women have been able to contribute to their respective societieseven in oppressive conditions.The author is still male bashing and playing sexual politics.(Miles is primarily a writer of popular feminist historical novels.)
Great Book (Lousy Title)!
I almost didn't buy this book because of the title since I'm not into cooking or religion.But I am so glad I did buy it.I have read many, many books on women's history over the years, and I have to say this is by far the best!(Another great women's history book is "The Ladies of Seneca Falls.")The author writes in plain language and educates the reader on the lives of women from biblical times to the present.She not only shows how women have been persecuted in every country and in every era, but also shows how women have stayed strong and persevered.She portrays women not as victims, but also shows their strengths and accomplishments.This book should be required reading in our schools so that girls can acquire a better sense of what is important in life and be proud of their foremothers and their own history.And men should read this book also so they can hopefully have more respect for women!

Refreshing Point of View!!
Rosalind's book is a beautiful combination of history, archeology and storytelling that recreates womens history.I especially loved the goddess chapter.She has a wonderful archeological and scientific perspective while still presenting the material in an intersting and entertaining fashion.This book is on my favorites list! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. Sex role    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Women    7. Women's Studies - General    8. Women's Studies - History    9. World - General    10. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (6)

A History of Women in America
This book was a required reading for a class that I was inrolled.I was required to only read sections.I found this book to be interesting enough I read it from cover to cover.

An Old Favorite
This book was required reading for my first Women Studies Course in college .I recommend it for any woman (or man) in our world who is looking for a general guide to women's history in the United States.It is very straightforward and thought-provoking.This book goes to prove that the liberties American women have are unequaled in our world today.I have shared my copy with friends and relatives over the years who have also enjoyed the commentary.

Thought-provoking
This was a very interesting book, and a very good starter for people wanting to learn more about women in America. I found it interesting in comparison to New Zealand womens history. I think sometimes the authorsconcentrated too much on glossing the history, and there are several partswhere I wondered if there was some exagerration. But overall, it was aquite well researched and thought provoking book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. Social conditions    3. Sociology    4. United States    5. Women    6. Women's Studies - History    7. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (16)

no title
Utterly fascinating account of women's views of the overland crossing.God! how hard they worked, how many children they were always having, how tired and strong and enduring they were.They did not seem close to their husbands at all, but lived in a world surrounded by their children, sisters, mothers, and/or other females.How they found the time (or light) to write is amazing.Very few complaints.Journey of 2,500 miles! by walking, wagon, or horse.

A Comprehensive and Intimate Study
Lillian Schlissel did an immense amount of work in brining this book to light. The book is broken up into four main parts, three of which are dedicated to diary summaries. Schlissel has broken up the chapters according to periods of time (1841-1850, 1851-1855 and 1856-1867). The final chapter is the diaries themselves, along with a map of the Over Land Trail as well as some interesting but academic charts.
Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey
An excellent compilation of diaries of women traveling by covered wagons in the 1800s.Lillian Schlissel, the author, did extensive research, and, when possible, was able to give the reader information as to what happened to these women after their journies.The author was able to comment on the lack of personal details in the diaries by giving some history of "the culture of the times". What the women did share with us in their diaries was heartrending and I found myself brought to tears and full of gratitude for the comforts on my modern-day farm.A good read, and definitely worthy of keeping in the home library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: American    5. Overland journeys to the Pacific    6. Sources    7. U.S. Local History - Western United States    8. United States - 19th Century/Old West    9. United States - Revolutionary War    10. West (U.S.)    11. Women    12. Women In The U.S.    13. Women's Studies - History    14. History / United States / Revolutionary Period (1775-1800)    15. Social history    16. USA    17. Women's studies   

Reviews (2)

An excellent idea
The very fact of this encyclopedia's existence is an excellent idea. So far as I know there is no comparable encyclopedia in scope and quality of American- Jewish men. There of course should be. The short biographies that I read were well- written and informative.
An amazing project
This was an amazing bat mitzvah gift for my daughter (thanks Eve!) that was just in time to help her with her school report on Henrietta Szold.It is causing problems for me, however; this is the second night I'vestayed up late reading it, even though I need my sleep.On the other hand,I now know a lot more about Gilda Radner, Judy Blume, Letty CottinPogrebin, Golda Meir, the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, Rosalyn Yalow, MollyPicon, Lilith (the magazine), Roseanne, how Jewish women are portayed ontelevision, Jewish women in popular fiction....This is an amzingproject, and a fantastic set of books.I highly recommend this set toanyone who is considering it enough to be reading this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dictionaries    4. History    5. Jewish - General    6. Jewish women    7. Jews    8. Jews In The U.S.    9. Reference    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Women In The U.S.    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Women's Studies - History    15. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    16. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    17. American history: from c 1900 -    18. Jewish studies    19. Modern period, c 1500 onwards    20. Reference / General    21. Reference works    22. Social history    23. USA    24. Women's studies