Fear and Envy [Paperback]

Rita Ransohoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001 | ISBN-10: 1891305646 | ISBN-13: 978-1891305641

This book is an exploration of man`s fear and deeply repressed envy of woman`s power and sexuality. By examining the subordination of women in the United States and three developing areas, conflicting attitudes of purity and pollution are evident. The struggle to be a man and the favoritism of boys are taken into account. The triumphs and surrenders of gender battles around the world are given a new insightful look. A thoughtful and provocative book that questions many assumptions.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Rita Ransohoff Ph.D. is a graduate of Smith College and the University of Chicago. She has lectured internationally and her articles have appeared in publications such as the International Journal of Psychoanalysis. Her essay Why Girls Giggle, has been widely reprinted. Her essays on Sigmund Freud appeared in Bergasse # 19 and is the acclaimed author of Venus After 40. In private practice for 20 years she has two children, and lives in New York City and Sag Harbor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Painted Leaf Pr (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891305646
• ISBN-13: 978-1891305641
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,187,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transcultural Study of Men's Attitudes Toward Women, October 13, 2002

By 

Lauma U Katis, M.D. (Greenwich, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fear and Envy (Paperback)

Fear and Envy by Dr. Rita Ransohoff is a most fascinating and illuminating book. It is a transcultural study of men's attitudes toward women, of conflicts and their resolution as incorporated in folklore. Dr. Ransohoff's psychological background, worldwide travels, and appreciation of myths and legends makes this book exceptionally enjoyable reading. I highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Male Viewpoint On A Feminist Book, February 17, 2002

By 

Peter M. Wynn (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fear and Envy (Paperback)

An unexpected book. Fear and Envy attempts to explain the need of males to dominate females - a topic of substantial interest in the light of the practice of fundamentalists in several religions to continue to subjugate women. Dr. Ransohoff writes relaxed and literate prose. She laces her exposition with utterly fascinating anectdotes she has collected over years of travel in Asia and Africa. Through these stories she demonstrates the universality of much of the practice of male domination. She also presents information about life as a female in our own and other societies that is simply unknown and unavailable to men. It can't be found anywhere else. She is convincing, while quite charming, in her text, and neatly avoids the dust of academia. It is an engaging and edifying read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Even More Important Since 9-11, June 24, 2002

By 

Patricia Palmer (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fear and Envy (Paperback)

Fear and Envy is a wonderful book. Dr. Ransohoff draws on a wealth of past traditions and practices in every day life today in West Africa, India, the U.S. and elsewhere to describe the many obvious and far more subtle ways in which men have wanted and felt they needed to control women. She writes in a very easy, readable way, using examples from ancient myths to modern movies. And this is not an angry, "anti-man" book. Far from it. In times of uncertainty-like the one we face post September 11-deep-seated needs can re-assert themselves, making this book even more relevant and important for us all.