The Periodic Table of Feminism
Marisa BateWhile the narrative takes the reader through feminisms struggle from the first wave to the fourth, the table offers a key to understanding how these women & the battles they fought speak to each other across time & continents: if you're inspired by Sheryl Sandberg, prepared to be equally wowed by Frances Harper and Alison Bechdel. With unique illustrations & pull-out quotes peppered throughout, this is an essential guide to Feminism & a place to turn to for courage & inspiration from history's heroic women.
Using the periodic table as a categorical device, the featured women are divided into “chemical” groups to show how the women & the battles they fought speak to each other across time & geography:
Precious Metals: the face of the movements, like Simone De Beauvoir & Gloria Steinem
Catalysts: Pioneers & fire-starters, like Susan B. Anthony & Sheryl Sandberg
Conductors: The organizers, like Sojourner Truth & Rebecca Solnit
Diatomics: Women working together, like The Spice Girls & The Women’s Equality Party
Stabilizers: Pacifists, like Margaret Atwood, Lindy West, & Eve Ensler
Explosives: Radicals, anarchists, & violent uprisers, like Adrienne Rich & Roxane Gay
Rejectors: “I am not a feminist” proclaimers, like Alice Walker & Sarah Jessica Parker