History Matters: Patriarchy and the Challenge of Feminism
"This is a book that will help us think deeper, and better, about the history we practice and its impact in the world."—Laura Gowing, King's College, London"This is a remarkable work, at once erudite, insightful, witty, provocative, and analytically brilliant. Bennett writes with narrative verve and energy that captures the reader in both her compelling argument and detailed evidence."—Bonnie G. Smith, Rutgers University"Judith Bennett offers a striking analysis of the current state of feminist history. In a series of lucid chapters, she demonstrates the political and intellectual consequences of forgetting the past. This book should be required reading for every feminist who cares about the future."—Martha Vicinus, University of Michigan"Bennett argues convincingly that our understanding of modern women's condition and contemporary feminist dilemmas must be rooted in thelongue durée. From that perspective, we can develop a more nuanced and sophisticated analysis of the 'patriarchal equilibrium' that has so long constrained women's lives and efforts to transform them."—Nancy A. Hewitt, Rutgers University"This book should be required reading for anyone who believes that studying history 'for its own sake' misses the inherent revolutionary potential of the enterprise."—Choice