lmb@mhuxm.UUCP (11/15/83)
Early (pre-twentieth century) feminist literature is required reading for anyone with strong opinions on the role of women. The battle of the sexes takes on a new light when one understands what it was like "back then". In particular, I recommend 18th century writer Mary Wollstonecraft "A Vindication of the Rights of Women", and 19th century writings "Work" by Louisa May Alcott(!) and "The Odd Women" by Gissing or Gisling. The first is a classic in the field. The latter two describe the efforts of "respectable" spinsters to support themselves. Although the writing is stylized, the point comes home that women in England and America literally starved away if they could not find husbands. The title of "The Odd Women" comes from a 19th century term for spinsters. I occasionally look for 20th century female authors. Two books I have really enjoyed are "Gifts from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh and "Rebecca" by Daphne Demauriac (sp?). Any other favorites? Loreen Breda
bmcjmp@burdvax.UUCP (Barb Puder) (11/15/83)
If you want to read some literature about the pre-17th century roles of women, a good book to catch is "Medieval Women", a collection of the lectures of Eileen Powers edited by M. M. Postan. This is a small paperback book, usually available through sources such as Publisher's Central Bureau, although I have seen it in an occasional bookstore. This book gives a good overview of the life of three classes of women in medieval to early Rennaisance life -- the noble class, the working class, and the religious orders. It tells about what was expected of women, what they accomplished, many times in spite of the expectations, and the ways a woman could be her own person in a truly male-dominated society. It also shows the origins of many modern (post-Rennaisance) notions about women. I think that many people would find the information in this book surprising, to say the least. I found it fascinating. Barb Puder, burdvax!bmcjmp
dnc@dartvax.UUCP (David Crespo) (11/26/83)
I, a male, hear that one of the best books about a woman for women (that is to say, that has something to say about how to survive that struggle) is Jane Austen's Emma. Ad, a book I personally read ad enjoyed for the breath of its perspectives and plain usefulness as warning, is "Working It Out", edited by sommeone or other, being a collection of articles written by women o working in "a man's world." maybe not that obscure, but interesting.