JOAN SMITH

Women have never had more freedom yet questions of inequality persist from the bedroom to the workplace. A quarter of a century after the publication of her seminal text Misogynies, Joan Smith looks at what women have achieved - and the price theyve paid for it. From Amy Winehouse to Pussy Riot, from the veil to domestic violence, a war is being fought over womens bodies and minds. Smith shows how misogyny has assumed new and dangerous forms as we confront an economic, social and religious backlash. But thats only part of the story. The female eunuch has become the public woman, and she isnt going to go quietly. Written with wit and passion, this forensic analysis sets out what were up against - and how to fight back. Brilliant A compelling rap sheet of 21st century misogynies and a reprimand to anyone who declares the battle for gender equality is over - Robin Ince Joan Smith dares to expose woman-hating in all its forms. She does not shy away from naming religion and cultural relativism as barriers to liberation, and names men and the system of patriarchy as the problem. Read this book, not least because it will open your eyes to how much needs to be done before we consign male supremacy to the museum of ancient reli. - Julie Bindel

When Prince George was just eight weeks old, the Evening Standard declared him to be the most influential person in London. He couldnt even walk, let alone talk. Yet one day he could become head of state, whether we like it or not. Joan Smith argues that it has become nearly impossible to question the existence of the monarchy. Articulate republicans are drowned out while the supercharged PR and media machines ask only who designed Kates dresses. Smith topples the arguments for having a monarchy, one by one. The royals dont provide a boost for tourism, and their deliberately opaque accounting conceals the truth about the huge burden they place on the public purse. And she exposes darker truths. These symbols of so-called impartiality have hidden power and influence. Not only does Charles regularly lobby government ministers but - far from the sycophantic reporting of Kates baby bump - the royals have dined with despots with blood on their hands. Are these people really fi t to be the public face of a modern country? Ultimately, Smith declares that the monarchy - undemocratic, unaccountable and shockingly expensive - has no place in modern Britain.

Misogynies is one of the most celebrated feminist texts by a British author. First published in 1989, it created shock waves with its analyses of history, literature and popular culture. Joan Smith drew on her own experience as one of the few women reporting the Yorkshire Ripper murders and looked at novels, slasher movies, Page Three and Princess Diana, teasing out the attitudes that brought them together. A feminist classic, Smiths exploration of fear and hatred of women resonates to this day.

Pacy witty and authoritative Jonathan Freedland In her hands ancient history becomes a vivid avenue of approach to a burning modern world concern a powerful and important book Daily Telegraph

Pacy witty and authoritative Jonathan Freedland In her hands ancient history becomes a vivid avenue of approach to a burning modern world concern a powerful and important book Daily Telegraph