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Professor Mary Beard
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Women & Power: A Manifesto Paperback – 1 Nov. 2018

by Professor Mary Beard (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,802 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Violence against Women
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on any 4 Qualifying items | Terms
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An updated edition of the Sunday Times Bestseller

Britain's best-known classicist Mary Beard, is also a committed and vocal feminist. With wry wit, she revisits the gender agenda and shows how history has treated powerful women. Her examples range from the classical world to the modern day, from Medusa and Athena to Theresa May and Hillary Clinton. Beard explores the cultural underpinnings of misogyny, considering the public voice of women, our cultural assumptions about women's relationship with power, and how powerful women resist being packaged into a male template.

A year on since the advent of #metoo, Beard looks at how the discussions have moved on during this time, and how that intersects with issues of rape and consent, and the stories men tell themselves to support their actions. In trademark Beardian style, using examples ancient and modern, Beard argues, 'it's time for change - and now!'

From the author of international bestseller SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome.

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  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Profile Books
  4. Publication date
    1 Nov. 2018
  5. Dimensions
    11 x 2 x 17.8 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    1788160614
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1788160612
  8. See all details
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Review

A modern feminist classic -- Rachel Cooke ― Observer

With clearsightedness and wry humour, this self-described 'gobby woman' proves public speech is no longer the preserve of maleness. More power to her. -- Laura Garmeson ― FT

... exposes the roots of today's expectations of how a woman should behave ... time for a change, she argues - and now! -- Jenni Murray ― Guardian

This book is a treasure, both as a fascinating read in itself and as a fine work of reference to correct our lazy misconceptions about an ancient world that still has much to instruct us today ― Herald

An urgent feminist cri de coeur, spot-on in its utterly reasonable plea that a woman 'who dares to open her mouth in public' actually be given a hearing. ― Kirkus Reviews

Brilliant -- Jacqueline Rose ― Guardian

Enlightening ... explains how misogyny works and why it is so resilient -- Elif Shafak ― Guardian

A sparkling and forceful manifesto ― New York Times

Clear, rich, subversive and witty ― San Francisco Chronicle

An irresistible call for women to speak up, act and redefine their power ― People Magazine

Praise for Mary Beard:

'She's pulled off that rare trick of becoming a don with a high media profile who hasn't sold out, who is absolutely respected by the academy for her scholarship ... what she says is always powerful and interesting

― Guardian

An irrepressible enthusiast with a refreshing disregard for convention ― FT

With such a champion as Beard to debunk and popularise, the future of the study of classics is assured ― Daily Telegraph

Dynamically, wittily and authoritatively brings the ancient world to life -- Simon Sebag Montefiore

Praise for SPQR:

Fast-moving, exciting, psychologically acute, warmly sceptical - Bryan Appleyard

-- Bryan Appleyard ― Sunday Times

Vastly engaging ... a tremendously enjoyable and scholarly read -- Natalie Haynes ― Observer

Sustaining the energy that such a topic demands for more than 600 pages, while providing a coherent answer to the question of why Rome expanded so spectacularly, is hugely ambitious. Beard succeeds triumphantly ... full of insights and delights ... SPQR is consistently enlivened by Beard's eye for detail and her excellent sense of humour. ― Sunday Times

Masterful ... This is exemplary popular history, engaging but never dumbed down, providing both the grand sweep and the intimate details that bring the distant past vividly to life ― Economist

Ground-breaking ... invigorating ... revolutionary ... a whole new approach to ancient history -- Thomas Hodgkinson ― Spectator

Selected as one of the 100 best books of the 21st century: An instant feminist classic ― The Guardian Published On: 2019-09-21

Book Description

A year on from the allegations against Harvey Weinstein and the beginnings of #metoo movement Mary Beard revisits the gender agenda with new material on rape, consent and how the discussion has moved on.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Profile Books; Main edition (1 Nov. 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1788160614
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788160612
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11 x 2 x 17.8 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,802 ratings

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Professor Mary Beard

Professor Mary Beard

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,802 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and interesting. They describe it as an entertaining and informative read that is well-written and concise. Readers appreciate the feminist perspective and modern culture used to illustrate her points. However, opinions differ on the length - some find it short but engaging, while others feel it's too short.

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Thought provokingReadabilityReadableFeminist perspectiveShortness
39 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking. It provides an insightful look at the growth of women in power. Many appreciate the author's skill in combining classical themes with modern culture to illustrate her points.

"...A fascinating read, with a thought-provoking idea on every page, my only complaint is that it is too short." Read more

"Very well written and thoughtful book. Mary Beard writes with an excellent readable style, an eye opener and food for thought as a male...." Read more

"...Really easy to read, interesting and thought provoking. Worth a buy!" Read more

"...A fascinating essay. Wish it had been longer! Mary Beard rocks!" Read more

29 customers mention ‘Readability’27 positive2 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They describe it as an amazing, captivating read that is worthwhile. The writing style is clear and concise, making it easy to understand.

"...A fascinating read, with a thought-provoking idea on every page, my only complaint is that it is too short." Read more

"...Really easy to read, interesting and thought provoking. Worth a buy!" Read more

"Quite brilliant. Mary Beard writes with an authority that cannot be seriously challenged...." Read more

"Read this, it's amazing! That's all I want to say about this well written book." Read more

25 customers mention ‘Readable’25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and clear. They appreciate the author's writing style, eloquence, and voice. The book is a quick read packed with historical information.

"Very well written and thoughtful book. Mary Beard writes with an excellent readable style, an eye opener and food for thought as a male...." Read more

"...Really easy to read, interesting and thought provoking. Worth a buy!" Read more

"...Renowned classicist, Mary Beard writes in an accessible manner and reveals how the contemporary silencing and sidelining of women has its roots in..." Read more

"Thought provoking and easy to read...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Feminist perspective’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the feminist perspective interesting and elegantly illustrated. They appreciate the concise and lucid take on women's position in the public space and historical roots of women's voice. The book is a great read for classicists, feminists, and anyone interested in culture.

"...important voice in the modern debate on women's rights, women's presence in public life, and their access to power...." Read more

"...rant but a witty, quick read packed with historical evidence and lucid, relevant opinions that challenge every fair minded reader." Read more

"Short but sweet. Concise take on women’s position in the public space and historical context. Made me reconsider a few things" Read more

"...still have far to go to gain equality but this book helps you understand the importance of women in relation to the Ancient Western World." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Shortness’4 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the book's length. Some find it engaging and concise, while others feel it's too short. The book provides clarity on a complex subject, but some feel it's too brief.

"...a thought-provoking idea on every page, my only complaint is that it is too short." Read more

"...It's a rather short and light book, based on a series of lectures; nonetheless one I found very engaging and illuminating to read as a man. Thank you!" Read more

"...It’s sometimes repetitive. In sum, I feel short changed. It’s insufficient to direct the reader who wants more to ‘further reading’...." Read more

"...The book is short but it brings a certain clarity to a complex subject viewed in a historical persepective...." Read more

Mary Beard rocks!
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

Amazonian Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and thought-provoking
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 March 2018
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This short book by Mary Beard is based on two lectures she gave in 2014 and 2017. As one of our most prominent female academics she is all too aware of the efforts made to silence women and to keep them from power. Among other things she explores the language used to describe women's speech (shrill, strident), the vile abuse on Twitter female commentators endure and the double standards we as a society employ.

"..different views when voiced by a woman are taken as indications of her stupidity. It is not that you disagree, it is that she is stupid.."

As a classicist she sees the roots of this exclusion in the ancient world and although she points out that we have come a long way and have much to celebrate "..gradualism is likely to take far too long - for me at least."

She argues that it is time that women stopped trying to change in order fit our notions of power (see for example Angela Merkel's and Theresa May's almost identical political uniform of the trouser suit or Margaret Thatcher's deliberate deepening of her voice when she came into power) but that it is time that we as a society changed or perception of what power means. "To put it another way, if women are not perceived to be fully within the structures of power, surely it is power that we need to redefine rather than women?"

A fascinating read, with a thought-provoking idea on every page, my only complaint is that it is too short.
41 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written and tought provoking book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 February 2018
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Very well written and thoughtful book. Mary Beard writes with an excellent readable style, an eye opener and food for thought as a male. I think she treats those who oppose her opinions very fairly and with great sympathy, which is no easy thing given the abuse she has undoubtably suffer. There is a brief section where she looks at the question of inate differences between the sexes and concludes that if men and women think differently 'surely it is because they have been taught [to do so]'. I think this is a slightly dismissive argument, usually the word surely is used to assert something without having to make an arguement, and this is prehapse the case here. Inate differences between men and women are, in my view, in no way incompatible with femenism, this could have been delved into a bit more deeply.

It's a rather short and light book, based on a series of lectures; nonetheless one I found very engaging and illuminating to read as a man. Thank you!
4 people found this helpful
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Ms. S. K. Malkakorpi
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2023
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I really like Prof Beards tv programs so decided to give this short book a go. Really easy to read, interesting and thought provoking. Worth a buy!
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Roger
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 October 2024
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Recommended
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Steve
3.0 out of 5 stars Important message, but 'a book'?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 February 2018
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Hmm. When is a book not a book? I read this short work in around an hour - and I’m not a fast reader. It comprises two lectures delivered by Mary Beard, with some ‘very light updating’. It’s jaunty with personal asides, as becomes the author’s public persona. It’s sometimes repetitive. In sum, I feel short changed. It’s insufficient to direct the reader who wants more to ‘further reading’.
But there’s the medium and there’s the message. Beard aims her important critique and her despair at the way women have been marginalized and disempowered over some 2000 years of civilization, evidenced in social history (her forte), in ancient literature and artwork. It has created a cultural template that is with us today, one that feeds misogyny. How initially men managed to colonize this territory so effectively is less clear; I suspect evolutionary psychologists would have their say here.
Beard is strong on how male dominance is evidenced in language, political rhetoric and privileged positions. Yet, as she rightly says, simply counting the number women ‘at the top’ is an insufficient way of gauging progress, especially if women have to sound and dress like men to get there. We have to deconstruct power in its different cultural forms if we are to bring about change. A key message, but exactly how is less apparent. Her next book? If you haven't thought much about these issues, do read this book. If you have, you may be a bit disappointed.
9 people found this helpful
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Marnie Riches
5.0 out of 5 stars A short but perfectly formed look at the historical roots of women's voice in society.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 June 2020
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I recently bought a few feminist titles for myself and my daughter to read, during lockdown. Renowned classicist, Mary Beard writes in an accessible manner and reveals how the contemporary silencing and sidelining of women has its roots in classical culture and literature. A fascinating essay. Wish it had been longer! Mary Beard rocks!
7 people found this helpful
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Dr N.
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting perspective
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2021
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Thought provoking and easy to read. Would have liked the ideas developed a bit more fully but I realise these were originally lectures and I do always like a quick read!
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Clare O' Connell
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read (especially if you’re a woman!)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 February 2024
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Really enjoyed reading this
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Top reviews from other countries

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Stephanie
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading
Reviewed in the United States on 12 September 2024
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Short and pithy. Recommended reading for all. All people. All humans. All teens and adults. All readers and thinkers. All. Including you. No excuses.
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Cliente Kindle
4.0 out of 5 stars Conciso e preciso
Reviewed in Brazil on 23 August 2021
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Breve resumo de como a história trata e continua tratando mulheres com potencial de assumirem o poder, questionando de forma argumentativa a validade dos comportamentos dados como "corretos".
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Betsy Berlin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in Germany on 10 February 2024
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Excellent
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Prats
5.0 out of 5 stars A mandatory read !
Reviewed in India on 18 December 2023
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Must read ( and re read ) and reflect on it by both men & women. But mostly men. Because this is an eye opener , with it's references and the inferences. More such books will be added to TBR !
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EL
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
Reviewed in France on 28 January 2019
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An absolutely necessary book!
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