Education of a Woman: The Life of Gloria Steinem (Paperback)

~ (Author) "THE TEMPTATION TO discover the heritage of previous generations and the impact of that heritage upon an individual is as powerful as it is elusive..." (more)
Key Phrases: abortion hearing, preview issue, female destiny, New York, Gloria Steinem, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Biography of the pivotal and occasionally controversial feminist and co-founder of Ms. magazine.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Heilbrun, the accomplished literary scholar (Writing a Woman's Life, LJ 10/15/88) and mystery author under the nom de plume Amanda Cross, offers her interpretation of a complex and admirable subject, feminist avatar Gloria Steinem. Unhappily, the result is disappointing, in part because it seems premature with Steinem only 60 and still active in the women's movement. But the book suffers from more serious imperfections as well. Though Heilbrun discusses at length Steinem's relationship with her mother, she neglects connections with Steinem's father and her sister. A large share of the book treats Steinem's numerous celebrity liaisons; while legitimate in a posthumous examination, such discussion is inescapably tawdry when the subject is still living. Finally and most puzzling, the writing lacks polish. Long quotations are awkwardly integrated, and some sentences require rereading. The definitive work is still to be written, but this one will nevertheless attract a large audience.
-?Cynthia Harrison, Federal Judicial Ctr., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345406214
• ISBN-13: 978-0345406217
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #205,394 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific and enlightening book!, June 27, 1998

By A Customer

I have admired Gloria Steinem since I came to this country in the 70's to go to college. She has had to make some tough choices in her life and I respect her greatly for the path she took. I particularly liked to read about her early years, her childhood and family, prior to the more public New York life of the sophisticated writer and feminist persona she became. After reading this book, I feel that I understand much better where her strong motivation came from. The author deserves much praise for this biography.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are interested in Gloria Steinem this is THE BOOK!!!, July 11, 2003

By	Emily (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

I read this book nonstop while on a lengthy car trip. I found it to be incredibly interesting, informative, well-researched, and enjoyable to read. If you've ever wondered how Gloria Steinem got to be the icon that she is, this book explains it all. Whether you are researching Steinem or just looking for an interesting non-fiction, this book is for you!!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For all those who wonder about Steinem, July 10, 2000

By	JoAnne (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

A sympathetic biography of one of the most famous leaders in the women's movement. According to Heilbrun, Steinem's beauty and ability to remain constantly in the public eye have been a constant source of irritation to other feminists. She presents Steinmen as a slightly naive, well-intentioned and empathetic individual who never intended to lead the feminist movement and indeed would have preferred remaining in the shadows as a reporter and writer.