Evelyn Reed takes us on an expedition through prehistory from cannibalism to culture—and uncovers the world of the ancient matriarchy. Tracing the origins of the “incest taboo,” blood rites, marriage, and the family, she reveals women’s leading and still largely unknown contributions to the development of civilization. By pinpointing the relatively recent factors that led to pervasive discrimination against women as a sex, she offers fresh insights on the struggle against women’s oppression and for the liberation of humanity. Reed refutes the myth that “human nature” is to blame for the wars, greed, and inequalities of class-divided societies.
Glossary, bibliography, index
“Helped me understand anthropology from a
woman's point of view.”—
Ms. Magazine
“A truly monumental piece of scholarship.… a total rethinking of
evolutionary (social) anthropology.”—
Canadian Newsletter of Research on
Women
“How important it is to women today that the myth of eternal and
preordained patriarchy be exploded. And at last we have a good solid real
woman anthropologist to do it.”—
Kate Millet, author,
Sexual
Politics
“Deftly takes on some of the most quoted experts in cultural anthropology
and sociology and shatters their premises about women.… There is a real
need for this book; its use would be most advantageous in elective courses
related to the nature and rise of civilizations.… The volume is not only
recommended, it cannot be ignored.”—
Curriculum Advisory Services
“This is a fascinating and scholarly book; useful in sociology and
anthropology courses and to any woman needing encouragement about the
contributions of her sex to history.”—
American Association for the
Advancement of Science
For complete review
click here.
“[An] absorbing anthropological dig ….”—
Minneapolis Tribune
“I have never been so engrossed or excited by anything I’ve read. How proud
I am of our sex and of Evelyn Reed for working so hard to reveal our true
history.… [R]equired reading for every feminist.”—
Dr. Barbara Roberts,
founder of Women’s National Abortion Action Coalition
“Certain to become a classic text in women’s history … lucid and absorbing
reading.”—
Publishers Weekly
For complete review
click here.
“I ploughed into her theories and findings and, I have to admit, unearthed
a gem.”—
Guardian (London)
“An outstanding effort to account for many of the discrepancies found in
the patterns of social evolution as delineated by many of the traditional
anthropologists.… Stimulating and readable, and important for anyone
interested in the women’s movement as well as anthropology.”—
KLIATT
“Persuasive, exciting, highly readable: I am happy to recommend it.… [A]n
engrossing book, and its theory linking oppression to property is
immeasurably more satisfying than theories linking oppression to
childbearing.”—
The Spokeswoman
“Woman’s Evolution spells out the long process in clear step-by-step
terms.”—
Majority Report
“A brilliant and fascinating refutation of patriarchy’s favorite historical
error.”—
WIN magazine
“A joyous inspiration to read and a celebration of our essential humanity
in a addition to being a major contribution to the field of anthropology.”—
MAKARA
“This is a fascinating and scholarly book; useful in sociology and
anthropology courses and to any woman needing encouragement about the
contributions of her sex to history.”—
American Association for the
Advancement of Science
“A self-evident classic in the literature on women’s role in history.”—
Aftonbladst (Evening
Sheet, Stockholm)
“An excellent addition to libraries with collections in anthropology and
women’s studies.”—
Reprint Bulletin Book Reviews
“Fresh and convincing.… [An]odyssey through centuries of changing human
culture.… fantastic wealth of fascinating detail on human cultural
practices.… A sourcebook for dreams and imaginings, as well as for fact and
theory. Readers will appreciate the glossary, index and bibliography as
guides for exploration.”—
Unitarian-Universalist World
“Gives women an understanding of their past and will enable them to move
forward into the future with confidence.”—
Undercurrents
“I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in finding out
how the first advancements of mankind really came about.”—
Newsletter (London)
“Painstakingly researched and fascinating history.”—
WomanSource Catalog
and Review
“Demolishes the assumption … that civilization is synonymous with
patriarchy.… [S]hows in detail the significant role women played in
civilizing the species.… It will bolster women’s courage to move forward
toward a future in which the sisterhood and brotherhood present in
prehistoric culture is once again the basis for human social
organization.”—
Twin Cities Chapter NOW Newsletter