Book Review – The Woman Reader by Belinda Jack
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Publisher: Yale University Press
This is an obviously extremely well researched book detailing the history of women as readers and writers from pre-BC right through to current times. It details the growth of education for girls and the popularity of reading groups through the ages. There is much detail about the types of censorship which were tried in different countries and continents, the political ramifications and the literacy levels throughout the times along with the types of books which were being read by women and how we know what they were reading.
It contains many quotes from books through the times, from controversial books to books by women authors and poetry, alongside illustrations and photographs which add to the interest of the book.
As a history of women readers this is very comprehensive and surprisingly easy to read as it is written in a conversational style. It is easy for history books to be dry and dull but Belinda Jack has managed in this book to explore her topic in a very accessible way which keeps the readers interest throughout.
I highly recommend this book to anybody who has a love for reading.
Star rating 5/5 – extremely interesting.
