The Mermaid and the Minotaur: The Classic Work of Feminist Thought

For any reader of feminist theory, this book must be added to the must haves. The Mermaid and the Minotaur is a classic of feminist theory. Whilst the author spends too much verbiage taking to task other feminist writers, her thesis of male oppression is as true today as when the book was first published in 1976. This volume offers an introduction by Gloria Steinem, who praises the author for her speculation that when men become involved in childcare, the world shifts to a more humane and inclusive world view.

The book is not an easy read; it is quite a tome of academic speculation. Many rail against the author’s angry tone, but this reader finds that approach to be somewhat defensive against the main thesis of the book. How did gender divisions become so rigid and what is the underlying psychology that roots these divisions into our psyches? For a serious reader, this book will be a welcome addition to the library of feminist thought.