Women Who Read Are Dangerous- Abbeville Press

Synopsis

As the book's provocative title indicates, a woman reading was once viewed as radical. In chapters - such as: Intimate Moments and The Search for Oneself - Bollmann profiles how a woman with a book was once seen as idle or suspect and how women have gained autonomy through reading over the years. Bollmann offers intelligent and engaging commentary on each work of art in Women Who Read Are Dangerous, telling us who the subject is, her relationship to the artist, and even what she is reading. With works ranging from a 1333 Annunciation painting of the angel Gabriel speaking to the Virgin Mary, book in hand, to 20th-century works, such as a stunning photograph of Marilyn Monroe reading Ulysses, this appealing survey provides a veritable slideshow of the many iterations of a woman and her book; a compelling subject to this day.

An excellent gift for graduates, teachers, or Mother's Day, this elegant book should appeal to anyone interested in art, literature, or women's history.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Dangerous History of Women's Reading

* Summary: Explores the historical suppression of women's literacy and the fear it inspired among patriarchal societies. Women who read were often seen as threats to the established order, challenging societal norms and undermining male authority.
* Real Example: In 17th-century France, women were banned from reading certain texts, such as theology and law books. Marie de Gournay, a contemporary of Montaigne, advocated for women's right to education, but her writings faced censorship and hostility.

Chapter 2: The Women Who Dare to Read

* Summary: Profiles women throughout history who defied the prohibitions on women's reading and education. These women pursued knowledge and used their voices to advocate for change and challenge oppressive systems.
* Real Example: Hypatia of Alexandria, a 5th-century Greek philosopher, became a renowned scholar who taught mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. She was brutally murdered by Christian zealots who feared her influence and wisdom.

Chapter 3: Reading as a Tool of Liberation

* Summary: Discusses the transformative power of reading for women. Through literature, women could escape their limited roles, learn about different perspectives, and find inspiration to resist oppression.
* Real Example: Sojourner Truth, an 18th-century abolitionist and women's rights advocate, taught herself to read in adulthood. Her literacy enabled her to share her experiences, inspire others, and challenge slavery and misogyny.

Chapter 4: The Dangerous Imagination

* Summary: Explores how women's writing and reading challenged traditional gender roles and sparked social change. Female authors often depicted complex female characters, subverted stereotypes, and voiced their own perspectives on the world.
* Real Example: Jane Austen's novels, such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility," featured intelligent, independent heroines who challenged conventional expectations of women in 18th-century England.

Chapter 5: The Legacy of Women Who Read Dangerously

* Summary: Examines the lasting impact of women writers, readers, and educators who helped to shape the world we live in today. Their contributions have inspired generations of women to pursue knowledge, challenge injustice, and create a more just and equitable society.
* Real Example: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist who was shot by the Taliban for speaking out in favor of girls' education, became a global symbol of the power of women's voices and the importance of reading and education for all.