Customer Reviews

Feminist Chronicles: 1953-1993

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Although, I really liked seeing the internal history of the feminist movement, I was disappointed with the small grainy pictures, somewhat okay typesetting and wished for better organization.The format of the book does not do the subject justice.

Because there are currently women's history books out on the market that do chronicle the movement, I figured a book written by long standing activists (whom I had looked up to) would also surpass my expectations. Mishappen and grain photograps surrounding text sadly did not meet them.

Also problematic is the overemphasis on NOW. Because the book is called the "Feminist Chronicles", I was expecting a broader portrait of second wave (and beyond) feminism.Considering Smeal and the other co-authors have worked at other feminist organizations and are currently involved with the Feminist Majority Foundation, I was not prepared for the tiresome over emphasis on NOW and it's politics.

As a third wave feminist, I would have liked to see more focus in the 1980's and 1990's on the riot grrrl movement and gen-x feminists and their organizations. Rename the series "The NOW chronicles" if you must, but if the title stays, expand it to include the efforts of all feminists.

Again, I suspect the cramped and rushed layout of the book also has something to do with the bad case of eyestrain readers may develop.

While I realize the promised delay of the 20th century compilation may be due to unforseen circumstances and problems, I also realize there is so much that has happened since 1993 that directly affects women. Whatever one may think of President Clinton's intentions on women's issues, we have seen a marked increase in attention given to feminist policy and this needs to be doccumented.

With just a few minor revisions in the layout and content departments, this would be a fantastic textbook or tool to chronicle the women's movement. The inclusion of NOW's founding doccuments and statements indicates very forward thinking and will doubtlesly be appreciated by historians who are in search of primary material.