Feminist Writings from Ancient Times to the Modern World

This two-volume reference for general readers and students presents documents reflecting the global development of feminism and ideas of gender equality. The reference seeks to internationalize feminist issues and illuminate a variety of local responses, rather than track coherent movements, although material is presented in chronological order. The book's 203 entries, each about 2-5 pages long, center on primary source documents chronicling resistance to patriarchy throughout history, from ancient Sumer to 21st-century Singapore. Some of the sources, such as essays, speeches, and court decisions, deal with the political and public aspect of women's rights, while others express feminist ideas through letters, poetry, drama, and autobiographies. Each entry offers a consistent format, describing the writer and context for the document, one or more excerpts, background on the critical response to the document during its time, and a discussion of the impact and legacy of the writer and the document, along with a list of further reading. To aid in finding specific topics, entries are listed by region and by a number of subjects. Wayne has written other books on feminist thinkers. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Tiffany K. Wayne, PhD, is an independent scholar. Her published works includeWoman Thinking: Feminism and Transcendentalism in 19th-Century America; Women's Roles in 19th-Century America; and American Women of Science since 1900.