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A History of Women in 101 Objects: A Walk through Female History
This is a neglected history. Not a sweeping, definitive, exhaustive history of the world but something quieter, more intimate and particular. A single journey, picked out in 101 objects, through the fascinating, too-often-overlooked, manifold histories of women.
Open up this cabinet of curiosities and you'll find objects that have been highly esteemed – even, like the Bayeux tapestry, fought over by nations – and others that are humble and domestic. Some (like a sixteenth century glass dildo) are objects of female pleasure, some (a thumbscrew) of female subjugation. There are artefacts of women celebrated by history and of women unfairly forgotten by it; examples of female rebellion and of self-revelation; objects that are inspiring, curious or (like radium-laced chocolate) just fundamentally ill-conceived.
Through the variety and nuance in all these 101 objects, Annabelle Hirsch has created a new history - teeming, unexpected, witty and always illuminating. This overdue corrective reveals what a healed femur says about civilisation, what men have to fear from hat pins, and it shows that the past has always been as complicated and fascinating as the women that peopled it.
Open up this cabinet of curiosities and you'll find objects that have been highly esteemed – even, like the Bayeux tapestry, fought over by nations – and others that are humble and domestic. Some (like a sixteenth century glass dildo) are objects of female pleasure, some (a thumbscrew) of female subjugation. There are artefacts of women celebrated by history and of women unfairly forgotten by it; examples of female rebellion and of self-revelation; objects that are inspiring, curious or (like radium-laced chocolate) just fundamentally ill-conceived.
Through the variety and nuance in all these 101 objects, Annabelle Hirsch has created a new history - teeming, unexpected, witty and always illuminating. This overdue corrective reveals what a healed femur says about civilisation, what men have to fear from hat pins, and it shows that the past has always been as complicated and fascinating as the women that peopled it.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
August 25, 2024
I applaud Hirsch for putting this book together. It's quite the feat for the audiobook to have so many famous and important women read the different chapters.
This history of women in objects heavily leans on the last few centuries, which makes sense, as the socioeconomic and political transformations were greater, there were more inventions, and more records.
Was this book perfect? Of course not. At times I thought some of the examples were tenuous, still, this book informed me and made me ponder. I won't deny I had some quibbles about the mentioning of Thatcher and Golda Meir, and worse, Kardashian - but I can recognise my biases.
This book made sure to remind us or inform us (if you were in the know) about the dismissal of women's contributions, and their omission from history, in pretty much every field. And of course, men have always been very good at taking credit for women's work.
As the recent events in the US, Afghanistan and other countries around the world show, we can't rest on our laurels as men are only too willing to control women's bodies and their rights. As far as I'm concerned, even in the so-called developed countries there's still a lot of work to do: until there is no femicide by current or former male partners, until women are paid on par and their caring work is recognised financially - there is no equality.
As the amazing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said: We should all be feminists.
NB: I used to qualify my statements re men's wrongdoings with "not all men". I won't anymore. If it bothers you and can't get the context, I suggest perhaps you should look in the mirror and consider why that is. Thank you. Bye.
This history of women in objects heavily leans on the last few centuries, which makes sense, as the socioeconomic and political transformations were greater, there were more inventions, and more records.
Was this book perfect? Of course not. At times I thought some of the examples were tenuous, still, this book informed me and made me ponder. I won't deny I had some quibbles about the mentioning of Thatcher and Golda Meir, and worse, Kardashian - but I can recognise my biases.
This book made sure to remind us or inform us (if you were in the know) about the dismissal of women's contributions, and their omission from history, in pretty much every field. And of course, men have always been very good at taking credit for women's work.
As the recent events in the US, Afghanistan and other countries around the world show, we can't rest on our laurels as men are only too willing to control women's bodies and their rights. As far as I'm concerned, even in the so-called developed countries there's still a lot of work to do: until there is no femicide by current or former male partners, until women are paid on par and their caring work is recognised financially - there is no equality.
As the amazing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said: We should all be feminists.
NB: I used to qualify my statements re men's wrongdoings with "not all men". I won't anymore. If it bothers you and can't get the context, I suggest perhaps you should look in the mirror and consider why that is. Thank you. Bye.
December 1, 2023
5🌟
Yes here I am, gushing over another non-fiction book focused on women but SO, mark my WORDS this book is sublime. This is the type of book that you feel grateful for just to hold in your hands🫶. Both the quality and quantity of information I’ve gained from reading this one makes me adore it beyond measure.
📖S Y N O P S I S📖
This is a neglected history. Not a sweeping, definitive, exhaustive history of the world but something quieter, more intimate and particular. A single journey, picked out in 101 objects, through the fascinating, too-often-overlooked, manifold histories of women.
Annabelle has compiled an amazing range of objects through a huge time span in such a way that you can easily binge it or do what I did and just read about a few objects each night. I wanted to take it all in properly, savoured it babes🤌! Each object has its own little chapter with an image and detailed context on the celebration of womanhood and feminism related to that object. Covering topics of culture, art, fashion and politics, on how life was like at that time for women and their position in society. An overdue corrective on how women have time and time again been excluded from history.
The introduction to this book is one of the best I’ve read. The part which likens a woman to a neglected decorative vase in the corner of a room which sometimes may have flowers in, in contrast to a baby, ugh I just thought it was genius. The recent news of the audiobook is EVERYTHING 🎧! It will feature 101 notable women, such as Margaret Atwood, Elif Shafak, Olivia Colman and more to be announced with all royalties going to Refuge, supporting women and their children experiencing domestic abuse.
My favourite objects, to name just a few hehe; the cave paintings, dress pockets *explains a lot as to why having a pocket in our outfits is still a celebration 💃*, perfumed gloves, glass dildo, the minidress and the rabbit pearl.
I am very appreciative of @annabellehirsch , her translator @morethanthisday and @canongatebooks for helping put this into the world. Returning the POWER to women that has been owed 💖.
Yes here I am, gushing over another non-fiction book focused on women but SO, mark my WORDS this book is sublime. This is the type of book that you feel grateful for just to hold in your hands🫶. Both the quality and quantity of information I’ve gained from reading this one makes me adore it beyond measure.
📖S Y N O P S I S📖
This is a neglected history. Not a sweeping, definitive, exhaustive history of the world but something quieter, more intimate and particular. A single journey, picked out in 101 objects, through the fascinating, too-often-overlooked, manifold histories of women.
Annabelle has compiled an amazing range of objects through a huge time span in such a way that you can easily binge it or do what I did and just read about a few objects each night. I wanted to take it all in properly, savoured it babes🤌! Each object has its own little chapter with an image and detailed context on the celebration of womanhood and feminism related to that object. Covering topics of culture, art, fashion and politics, on how life was like at that time for women and their position in society. An overdue corrective on how women have time and time again been excluded from history.
The introduction to this book is one of the best I’ve read. The part which likens a woman to a neglected decorative vase in the corner of a room which sometimes may have flowers in, in contrast to a baby, ugh I just thought it was genius. The recent news of the audiobook is EVERYTHING 🎧! It will feature 101 notable women, such as Margaret Atwood, Elif Shafak, Olivia Colman and more to be announced with all royalties going to Refuge, supporting women and their children experiencing domestic abuse.
My favourite objects, to name just a few hehe; the cave paintings, dress pockets *explains a lot as to why having a pocket in our outfits is still a celebration 💃*, perfumed gloves, glass dildo, the minidress and the rabbit pearl.
I am very appreciative of @annabellehirsch , her translator @morethanthisday and @canongatebooks for helping put this into the world. Returning the POWER to women that has been owed 💖.
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August 13, 2024No inicio da pesquisa para este livro tive uma experiência interessante. Estava num jantar e falava do meu plano, à data ainda muito embrionário, de contar uma história das mulheres através de objetos. «Como assim?», perguntou, curiosa, uma senhora. «Que tipo de objeto seria, por exemplo?» Ora, antes que eu conseguisse responder,(...)um senhor idoso bufou alto: «Mulheres e objetos? Mas as mulheres são objetos!» A frase é estúpida, muito grosseira e tudo menus engraçada, mas tem algo subjacente o facto de a História ser muitas vezes contada como se esta observação fosse verdadeira. (...)Como se as que nos precederam, com algumas exceções notáveis, tivessem estado a dormir, a observar. Como se a sua história fosse, em grande parte, a de vitimas passivas. Nada disto é verdade. Nunca foi verdade.
Confesso que, à primeira vista, julguei este livro como algo que não era. Julguei-o mais uma das muitas tentativas de literatura pseudo-feminista comercial e de massas, e foi um bocadinho de pé atrás que comecei o ebook no idioma original. Mas, a pouco e pouco, a autora conseguiu fazer-me prestar atenção às suas palavras.
Com o tom certo, com algum ceticismo (que aprecio), e com uma abordagem um tanto quanto excêntrica — ao estilo dos gabinetes de curiosidades dos séculos passados —, numa amálgama de objetos que parecem desemparelhados até ao momento em que são colocados no devido contexto, Hirsch consegue montar uma história moderna ocidental no feminino. Moderna porque contempla essencialmente objetos da época medieval em diante; ocidental porque, inevitavelmente, recorre à cultura que é familiar à autora (denunciando, acidentalmente, a falência da nossa academia já que Hirsch estudou História da Arte e, como não raras vezes barafusto, a academia — sobretudo no que concerne a esta área de estudo —, tal qual se apresenta na atualidade, apenas consente a história masculina e soberana. Bem sei, passo pelo mesmo.). Mas à parte este handicap, aliás, reconhecido pela autora, esta história das mulheres está muito bem conseguida. É acessível, sim. Não entra em grande pormenor, não. Mas oferece as bases para entender a história no feminino.
Basicamente, a história é sempre a mesma. O que não se consegue ou não se quer imaginar é dificil de descobrir através da arqueologia. Interpreta-se os achados à luz do que parece plausível, até que as técnicas ou os métodos modernos acabam por nos revelar outra realidades.
Uma história da mulheres em 101 objetos consegue ser relevante, atual e surpreendente, e reunir um conjunto de artefactos que abrange diferentes áreas, tipologias e universos femininos; objetos de cariz cultural, artístico, utilitário; uns com maior, outros com menor carga emocional; uns mais previsíveis e outros mais inesperados. E, porque cada um inspira um discurso histórico singular, Hirsch convoca diferentes personalidades de vários tempos. De Pankhurst a Woolf, de Pizan a Ada Lovelace, de Hustvedt a Marina Abramović ou Yoko Ono, este pequeno compêndio percorre uma galeria de figuras históricas, mediáticas e artísticas que, por si só, justificam um livro. Discorre sobre papéis de género, conquistas femininas e penas infligidas no corpo e espírito das mulheres ao longo dos tempos como bode expiatório das falências da sociedade. Dos julgamentos de bruxas à épuration sauvage do pós-Segunda Guerra, explora momentos terríveis; dos primeiros computadores aos movimentos feministas, explora momentos de conquista. Num todo, reflete séculos de apagamento e usurpação de protagonismo, e resulta num excelente ponto de partida para uma sociologia feminista.
(...)a visão feminista do passado prefere, muitas vezes, afirmar que as nossas antepassadas empunhavam armas e conseguiam ser poderosas e brutais como os homens, e varrer para debaixo do tapete as atividades têxteis, supostamente mais «femininas», É possível que isto se deva ao facto de a tecelagem e a costura não servirem apenas para vestir a familia, mas também para manter as mulheres em casa e ocupadas, para que não pensassem demasiado. Mary Wollstonecraft(...), desaconselhava o bordado às mulheres, porque acreditava que as limitava mentalmente e, por isso, seria melhor fazer jardinagem ou escrever.
Claro que este livro nasce da subjetividade da autora e continuo a não lhe perdoar o erro na referência à Ilíada logo nas primeiras páginas (num livro destes não é um erro menor confundir as duas obras que estão na génese da atribuição de um determinado papel ao género feminino ocidental), mas fiquei fascinada com o discurso despojado, a abrangência que deu ao tema que escolheu e mesmo as escolhas que foi fazendo me agradaram (dispensava um ou outro exemplo que não acredito que fique para a posterioridade como um elemento relevante da história das mulheres, mas não condeno a sua escolha).
A realidade é que acabei por me envolver tanto nesta leitura que dei por mim a substituir o ebook pelo livro físico — assim está na estante à mão de qualquer curioso ou para qualquer futura eventualidade. Sem arrependimentos!
Confesso que, à primeira vista, julguei este livro como algo que não era. Julguei-o mais uma das muitas tentativas de literatura pseudo-feminista comercial e de massas, e foi um bocadinho de pé atrás que comecei o ebook no idioma original. Mas, a pouco e pouco, a autora conseguiu fazer-me prestar atenção às suas palavras.
Com o tom certo, com algum ceticismo (que aprecio), e com uma abordagem um tanto quanto excêntrica — ao estilo dos gabinetes de curiosidades dos séculos passados —, numa amálgama de objetos que parecem desemparelhados até ao momento em que são colocados no devido contexto, Hirsch consegue montar uma história moderna ocidental no feminino. Moderna porque contempla essencialmente objetos da época medieval em diante; ocidental porque, inevitavelmente, recorre à cultura que é familiar à autora (denunciando, acidentalmente, a falência da nossa academia já que Hirsch estudou História da Arte e, como não raras vezes barafusto, a academia — sobretudo no que concerne a esta área de estudo —, tal qual se apresenta na atualidade, apenas consente a história masculina e soberana. Bem sei, passo pelo mesmo.). Mas à parte este handicap, aliás, reconhecido pela autora, esta história das mulheres está muito bem conseguida. É acessível, sim. Não entra em grande pormenor, não. Mas oferece as bases para entender a história no feminino.
Basicamente, a história é sempre a mesma. O que não se consegue ou não se quer imaginar é dificil de descobrir através da arqueologia. Interpreta-se os achados à luz do que parece plausível, até que as técnicas ou os métodos modernos acabam por nos revelar outra realidades.
Uma história da mulheres em 101 objetos consegue ser relevante, atual e surpreendente, e reunir um conjunto de artefactos que abrange diferentes áreas, tipologias e universos femininos; objetos de cariz cultural, artístico, utilitário; uns com maior, outros com menor carga emocional; uns mais previsíveis e outros mais inesperados. E, porque cada um inspira um discurso histórico singular, Hirsch convoca diferentes personalidades de vários tempos. De Pankhurst a Woolf, de Pizan a Ada Lovelace, de Hustvedt a Marina Abramović ou Yoko Ono, este pequeno compêndio percorre uma galeria de figuras históricas, mediáticas e artísticas que, por si só, justificam um livro. Discorre sobre papéis de género, conquistas femininas e penas infligidas no corpo e espírito das mulheres ao longo dos tempos como bode expiatório das falências da sociedade. Dos julgamentos de bruxas à épuration sauvage do pós-Segunda Guerra, explora momentos terríveis; dos primeiros computadores aos movimentos feministas, explora momentos de conquista. Num todo, reflete séculos de apagamento e usurpação de protagonismo, e resulta num excelente ponto de partida para uma sociologia feminista.
(...)a visão feminista do passado prefere, muitas vezes, afirmar que as nossas antepassadas empunhavam armas e conseguiam ser poderosas e brutais como os homens, e varrer para debaixo do tapete as atividades têxteis, supostamente mais «femininas», É possível que isto se deva ao facto de a tecelagem e a costura não servirem apenas para vestir a familia, mas também para manter as mulheres em casa e ocupadas, para que não pensassem demasiado. Mary Wollstonecraft(...), desaconselhava o bordado às mulheres, porque acreditava que as limitava mentalmente e, por isso, seria melhor fazer jardinagem ou escrever.
Claro que este livro nasce da subjetividade da autora e continuo a não lhe perdoar o erro na referência à Ilíada logo nas primeiras páginas (num livro destes não é um erro menor confundir as duas obras que estão na génese da atribuição de um determinado papel ao género feminino ocidental), mas fiquei fascinada com o discurso despojado, a abrangência que deu ao tema que escolheu e mesmo as escolhas que foi fazendo me agradaram (dispensava um ou outro exemplo que não acredito que fique para a posterioridade como um elemento relevante da história das mulheres, mas não condeno a sua escolha).
A realidade é que acabei por me envolver tanto nesta leitura que dei por mim a substituir o ebook pelo livro físico — assim está na estante à mão de qualquer curioso ou para qualquer futura eventualidade. Sem arrependimentos!
June 27, 2024
Jesus. This book really had me half enjoying it for 12 hours and then BAM you go and call Margaret Thatcher and an Israeli zionist leader paradigm of feminism and girlbossery. Ew
July 2, 2024
4.5 stars
A fascinating history of western women. Using objects as a jumping off point gives this history book a different focus and we explore lots of areas other histories don't, including why everyday objects have evolved to be as they are in the modern day. The audiobook features great narration from a whole tribe of famous women.
A fascinating history of western women. Using objects as a jumping off point gives this history book a different focus and we explore lots of areas other histories don't, including why everyday objects have evolved to be as they are in the modern day. The audiobook features great narration from a whole tribe of famous women.
November 12, 2024
It felt like I was walking through a museum and reading the plaques, it was fun. It was written for white women though. All “we’ve been oppressed by the patriarchy!” The tone was written towards the modern white woman, which makes sense because they’re the target audience of the book, but come on. It ignored recent non-white history for the most part, and only addressed the really well-known international artifacts. For example, there were all these obscure artifacts from white culture and then randomly “The Tale of Genji”. Like wowwww that’s the best you got?
September 1, 2024
This might be one of the most important works of nonfiction in existence. Annabelle Hirsch has taken thousands of years of artifacts and tells of the (often times unsung) heroes in women’s history. The amount of information I learned about the story of women through this book is immeasurable. Hirsch examines statues, works of art and literature, clothing, makeup, household items, and even “taboo” subjects. I feel as a man there are many things I may take for granted because I’ve never experienced life as a woman. This book made me think critically about what it truly means to be a woman and how many strides women have had to take just to exist and be seen and heard as human beings. I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone.
November 23, 2023
A History of Women in 101 Objects moves through history, from ancient times to the present day, focusing on different objects that tell us something about the lives of women.
I was always going to enjoy this book, and I did. I learnt lots of interesting things, and I liked the way Annabelle Hirsch put a new spin on things I already knew. A History of Women in 101 Objects wasn’t quite what I was expecting, which was something more material-oriented. Each section of this book is prompted or illustrated by a different object, but the pictures are only black and white (and so not especially clear), and not all of them are described in much detail. We are not always told where the objects can be found, for example.
Like I say, the objects are more prompts or illustrations than focal points, and as a result range widely in type and specificity. This lack of academic rigour also extended to the absence of referencing, with only a few direct citations and no indirect citations. I think it’s a shame that this book doesn’t make more of an effort to acknowledge its sources, especially since I didn’t agree with all the points it made. Generalisation is always a problem with books that cover such broad periods of history, especially for anyone bringing their own knowledge to the book, and I did find it a little frustrating here.
I always enjoy reading this kind of book, and I hope they keep being written. I also think A History of Women in 101 Objects will make a lovely reference book.
I was always going to enjoy this book, and I did. I learnt lots of interesting things, and I liked the way Annabelle Hirsch put a new spin on things I already knew. A History of Women in 101 Objects wasn’t quite what I was expecting, which was something more material-oriented. Each section of this book is prompted or illustrated by a different object, but the pictures are only black and white (and so not especially clear), and not all of them are described in much detail. We are not always told where the objects can be found, for example.
Like I say, the objects are more prompts or illustrations than focal points, and as a result range widely in type and specificity. This lack of academic rigour also extended to the absence of referencing, with only a few direct citations and no indirect citations. I think it’s a shame that this book doesn’t make more of an effort to acknowledge its sources, especially since I didn’t agree with all the points it made. Generalisation is always a problem with books that cover such broad periods of history, especially for anyone bringing their own knowledge to the book, and I did find it a little frustrating here.
I always enjoy reading this kind of book, and I hope they keep being written. I also think A History of Women in 101 Objects will make a lovely reference book.
August 23, 2024
Una lettura molto interessante, forse un filo lunga.
Ho scoperto molte nozioni a me sconosciute.
Ho scoperto molte nozioni a me sconosciute.
December 7, 2024
Ich liebe liebe liebe Dinge! Darum hat mich die Aufmachung dieses Sachbuchs sofort angesprochen. Auf einer Seite ist jeweils ein Objekt abgebildet, dazu gibt es einen Text von angenehm lesbarer Länge (1,5 bis 3 Seiten), chronologisch geordnet.
Beginnend mit einem ca. 32.000 Jahre alten verheilten Oberschenkelknochen (hier haben Menschen Carearbeit geleistet und damit etwas im Tierreich Einzigartiges ins Leben gerufen) über Folterinstrumente und von diesen manchmal kaum zu unterscheidende Modeaccessoires bis hin zum Pussyhat trifft Hirsch eine interessante, wenn auch fast ausschließlich auf den westlichen Kulturkreis (ausgehend von Frankreich) beschränkte Auswahl. Und wirft spannende Fragen auf: Wie wäre unsere Geschichte wohl verlaufen, wäre die Sekte der Göttin Isis erfolgreicher gewesen als die Sekte von Jesus Christus?
Wir begegnen sowohl berühmten Frauen mit großem Einfluss wie Katharina von Medici und Kim Kardashian als auch lang vergessenen Meisterinnen wie Artemisia Gentileschi und misstrauisch beäugten Ausnahmeerscheinungen wie den Ladies of Llangollen.
Insgesamt ist „Die Dinge“ inhaltlich ausgesprochen faszinierend und unterhaltsam und weckt große Lust auf weitere Recherchen. Leider kommt der Schreibstil mitunter verstaubt und zuweilen unangenehm „schenkelklopfend“ daher (die Autorin verwendet ständig Ausdrücke wie „Damen“/ „Herren“, „Ladys“ etc., wohl um den Ton aufzulockern, was ich als extrem störend empfand). Geärgert habe ich mich auch über die Verwendung der Zeitangabe „v. Chr.“ anstatt „v. u. Z.“ oder „BCE“, in meinen Augen nicht zeitgemäß, und zu viele Fehler im Korrektorat.
Beginnend mit einem ca. 32.000 Jahre alten verheilten Oberschenkelknochen (hier haben Menschen Carearbeit geleistet und damit etwas im Tierreich Einzigartiges ins Leben gerufen) über Folterinstrumente und von diesen manchmal kaum zu unterscheidende Modeaccessoires bis hin zum Pussyhat trifft Hirsch eine interessante, wenn auch fast ausschließlich auf den westlichen Kulturkreis (ausgehend von Frankreich) beschränkte Auswahl. Und wirft spannende Fragen auf: Wie wäre unsere Geschichte wohl verlaufen, wäre die Sekte der Göttin Isis erfolgreicher gewesen als die Sekte von Jesus Christus?
Wir begegnen sowohl berühmten Frauen mit großem Einfluss wie Katharina von Medici und Kim Kardashian als auch lang vergessenen Meisterinnen wie Artemisia Gentileschi und misstrauisch beäugten Ausnahmeerscheinungen wie den Ladies of Llangollen.
Insgesamt ist „Die Dinge“ inhaltlich ausgesprochen faszinierend und unterhaltsam und weckt große Lust auf weitere Recherchen. Leider kommt der Schreibstil mitunter verstaubt und zuweilen unangenehm „schenkelklopfend“ daher (die Autorin verwendet ständig Ausdrücke wie „Damen“/ „Herren“, „Ladys“ etc., wohl um den Ton aufzulockern, was ich als extrem störend empfand). Geärgert habe ich mich auch über die Verwendung der Zeitangabe „v. Chr.“ anstatt „v. u. Z.“ oder „BCE“, in meinen Augen nicht zeitgemäß, und zu viele Fehler im Korrektorat.
October 25, 2023
I love it. Hier werden so viele verschiedene Frauen mit großen und kleinen Rollen in der Geschichte beschrieben. Und das aus gefühlt allen Teilen der Welt und allen Epochen. Es macht einfach Spaß zu lesen und regt auch viel zum Nachdenken an. Und die Idee immer von einem spezifischen leblosen Objekt auszugehen und es mit einer tollen Geschichte zum Leben zu erwecken ist einfach super. Also absolut lesenswert für alle, die sich auch nur ein bisschen für Geschichte oder Feminismus interessieren.
August 5, 2024
I love a mind-blowing non-fiction which makes me consider familiar things with new eyes.
Each chapter is brilliantly narrated by a female narrator, who is an expert in her field, all the way up to Julia Gillard, Australia's first female Prime Minister. It's actually worthwhile looking up any narrators that a listener isn't familiar with, reveals more fascinating information.
Highly recommended.
Each chapter is brilliantly narrated by a female narrator, who is an expert in her field, all the way up to Julia Gillard, Australia's first female Prime Minister. It's actually worthwhile looking up any narrators that a listener isn't familiar with, reveals more fascinating information.
Highly recommended.
April 10, 2024
Meh… Each chapter explores a different object as it relates to women. I like the setup of the book but the objects sometimes feel like a feminist stretch toward meaningfulness.
June 18, 2024
This was really interesting. Absolutely would recommend listening to the audiobook as it’s narrated by so many fantastic women, Olivia Coleman, Miriam Margoyles, and Sue Perkins to name a few!
February 7, 2025
Wow. Ich weiß gar nicht, ob ich die ganzen Stellen, zu denen ich Post-its geklebt habe, alle hier zitieren soll. Es sind wahrscheinlich zu viele. Als ich dieses Buch heute beendet habe, hat es sich angefühlt, als würde eine era vorbeigehen. Nicht mal, weil ich so krass lang gebraucht hab (also irgendwie schon, aber es hätte auch länger dauern können), sondern weil ich die ganze Geschichte der Frauen einmal quer durchlebt habe und dabei realisiert habe, wie kurz all die Dinge her sind, die Frauen heute so (halbwegs) gleichberechtigt zu Männern machen. Die Pille gibt es erst seit den Fünfzigern???? Ja, vielleicht habe ich das schon mal wo gehört, aber HALLO? Meine Oma ist ohne die Pille aufgewachsen.
Aber ich habe auch realisiert, dass, obwohl es so wirkt, als hätte sich in den ganzen Jahrhunderten vor dem letzten wenig getan, es immer schon Frauen gab, die rebellierten. Nur eben auf eine andere Art und Weise. Dass das Frauenwahlrecht zum Beispiel für viele nicht als wichtig angesehen wurde, finde ich krass. Es ergibt aus der Sicht der Frauen von damals auch Sinn, warum wählen können sollen, wenn man in jedem anderen Bereich unterdrückt wird?
Selbst die Frauen, die für die gleichen Dinge kämpften, waren sich oft nicht einig. Irgendwie fühle ich mich nach diesem Buch sehr viel schlauer und sehr viel naiver.
Hier aber noch ein Zitat von Lauren Elkin (im Kapitel über Nellie Bly, die nach dem Vorbild von "In 80 Tagen um die Welt" die Welt in 72 Tagen umrundete), die sich darüber wunderte, dass das Reisen bzw Erkunden/Herumstreifen, eine rein männliche Sache war:
"Als wäre ein Penis eine Art Wanderstab, ein notwendiges Accessoire, das man zum Gehen braucht."
Iconic.
Meine Lieblings-Gegenstände:
Rechter Arm von George Sand (1847)
Round the world with Nellie Bly, Spiel (1890)
Safety Bicycle (1889)
Plakat "Claudine in der Schule" (1900)
Plan des "Temple de l'amitié, Salon der Amazone (1910)
Klebezettel der Widerstandgruppe "Rote Kapelle" (1942)
Googelt die mal, und falls jemand die Sachen nachlesen will, borg ich das Buch gerne her. Aber ich wills wieder zurückhaben, weil das ist jetzt mein Nachschlagewerk, meine Bibel oder was auch immer. hahaha
Aber ich habe auch realisiert, dass, obwohl es so wirkt, als hätte sich in den ganzen Jahrhunderten vor dem letzten wenig getan, es immer schon Frauen gab, die rebellierten. Nur eben auf eine andere Art und Weise. Dass das Frauenwahlrecht zum Beispiel für viele nicht als wichtig angesehen wurde, finde ich krass. Es ergibt aus der Sicht der Frauen von damals auch Sinn, warum wählen können sollen, wenn man in jedem anderen Bereich unterdrückt wird?
Selbst die Frauen, die für die gleichen Dinge kämpften, waren sich oft nicht einig. Irgendwie fühle ich mich nach diesem Buch sehr viel schlauer und sehr viel naiver.
Hier aber noch ein Zitat von Lauren Elkin (im Kapitel über Nellie Bly, die nach dem Vorbild von "In 80 Tagen um die Welt" die Welt in 72 Tagen umrundete), die sich darüber wunderte, dass das Reisen bzw Erkunden/Herumstreifen, eine rein männliche Sache war:
"Als wäre ein Penis eine Art Wanderstab, ein notwendiges Accessoire, das man zum Gehen braucht."
Iconic.
Meine Lieblings-Gegenstände:
Rechter Arm von George Sand (1847)
Round the world with Nellie Bly, Spiel (1890)
Safety Bicycle (1889)
Plakat "Claudine in der Schule" (1900)
Plan des "Temple de l'amitié, Salon der Amazone (1910)
Klebezettel der Widerstandgruppe "Rote Kapelle" (1942)
Googelt die mal, und falls jemand die Sachen nachlesen will, borg ich das Buch gerne her. Aber ich wills wieder zurückhaben, weil das ist jetzt mein Nachschlagewerk, meine Bibel oder was auch immer. hahaha
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December 21, 2024«Io credo che qualcuno si ricorderà di noi in futuro».
October 6, 2025
Kan bruges som historisk opslagsbog, hvor forfatteren har udvalgt 100 genstande, som fortæller om kvinders indflydelse og vilkår gennem århundreder. Starter med en lårbensknogle år 30.000 f.kr og slutter med Sofie Lindes metoo-kjole (som dog er skrevet af dansk historiker). Djove og finurlige genstande og historier.
Udover at den er interessant og velskrevet, så får den fem stjerner, fordi den er en vigtig påmindelse om hvor vigtig ligestilling er, og hvorfor vi ikke bare skal tage den for givet, selv her i vores nordiske/ europæiske del af verden. Set i et 30.000 tusind årligt perspektiv, udgør denne, endda jo geografisk begrænsede, ligestilling, de fleste af os nok tager mere eller mindre for givet, så mikro lille en del af den samlede historie.
Udover at den er interessant og velskrevet, så får den fem stjerner, fordi den er en vigtig påmindelse om hvor vigtig ligestilling er, og hvorfor vi ikke bare skal tage den for givet, selv her i vores nordiske/ europæiske del af verden. Set i et 30.000 tusind årligt perspektiv, udgør denne, endda jo geografisk begrænsede, ligestilling, de fleste af os nok tager mere eller mindre for givet, så mikro lille en del af den samlede historie.
December 22, 2025
Boeiende lectuur!
November 7, 2024
I am absolutely in love with this book. It’s one of the best feminist books I have ever read.
Special thanks for the history about Marie Bashkirtseff, the Ukrainian painter whose existence I hadn’t even known about.
Special thanks for the history about Marie Bashkirtseff, the Ukrainian painter whose existence I hadn’t even known about.
July 30, 2024
Not bad. The author knows how to tell a story.
I like the format that the author has chosen. Each object gets an equal amount of space in the book, which means that the reader doesn't often get stuck on a certain part. The language used is also directed towards the reader and gets the message across that the author is trying to send.
And yet, a lot of objects chosen are more relevant for women today than for women in general. The author seems to emphasise the 20th century, but the reason for this is not quite clear. Perhaps the developments stacked on top of each other in the 20th century? Either way, it seemed like a missed opportunity to explore more of other time periods like medieval times.
The ending I found a bit strange. The book ends quite abruptly after the so called 'pussyhat', without reflecting on the objects that passed the readers eyes. This is such a shame. Authors that want to reach their readers should begin the story with an explanation and end with one.
Overall an interesting book to read. It has a nice pace, making for a quick read for the amount of pages it has.
I like the format that the author has chosen. Each object gets an equal amount of space in the book, which means that the reader doesn't often get stuck on a certain part. The language used is also directed towards the reader and gets the message across that the author is trying to send.
And yet, a lot of objects chosen are more relevant for women today than for women in general. The author seems to emphasise the 20th century, but the reason for this is not quite clear. Perhaps the developments stacked on top of each other in the 20th century? Either way, it seemed like a missed opportunity to explore more of other time periods like medieval times.
The ending I found a bit strange. The book ends quite abruptly after the so called 'pussyhat', without reflecting on the objects that passed the readers eyes. This is such a shame. Authors that want to reach their readers should begin the story with an explanation and end with one.
Overall an interesting book to read. It has a nice pace, making for a quick read for the amount of pages it has.
September 3, 2024
I was eager to read
A History of Women in 101 Objects.
I don't read much nonfiction but when I do, its because the topic sparked my interest.
I didn't love this and I wished I had.
With books like this, I always wonder how much of the author's personal opinions factor into what is chosen and discussed.
I wished the photos were clearer and of better quality.
I don't know why such poor images were included; it sort of belittles the point of the book.
We're talking about a history of women in 101 objects and the objects featured are crude and grainy for readers.
As some readers noted, most of the featured objects are modern/contemporary; I was hoping for more medieval and/or esoteric items.
I enjoyed most of the essays but didn't feel attached to one item for another and couldn't help wondering how these particular items were selected to be in the book.
I enjoy these types of books and will continue to read them.
I guess I just had higher hopes for this.
I don't read much nonfiction but when I do, its because the topic sparked my interest.
I didn't love this and I wished I had.
With books like this, I always wonder how much of the author's personal opinions factor into what is chosen and discussed.
I wished the photos were clearer and of better quality.
I don't know why such poor images were included; it sort of belittles the point of the book.
We're talking about a history of women in 101 objects and the objects featured are crude and grainy for readers.
As some readers noted, most of the featured objects are modern/contemporary; I was hoping for more medieval and/or esoteric items.
I enjoyed most of the essays but didn't feel attached to one item for another and couldn't help wondering how these particular items were selected to be in the book.
I enjoy these types of books and will continue to read them.
I guess I just had higher hopes for this.
May 15, 2025
Very mixed feelings on this, but it could just be the nitpicky historian in me. Lovely concept and a very cool variety of objects shown in this book. I *love* material culture. What this lacked, however, was diversity beyond American and European objects. And I think that’s a significant miss because she’s interpreting these objects with a feminist lens! It needs to be more intersectional! And although I applaud Hirsch for having such an aspirational book idea and scope (like seriously, it’s not beyond me how much work this would have taken), she is not a historian and I found some of her conjectures/assumptions reaching.
April 2, 2025
My favourite non-fiction ever I think!! You MUST listen to this as an audiobook!! The most engaging and interesting book I’ve read in so long, I have already found myself bringing what I’ve learned in this book into conversations in everyday life. Cannot recommend it enough. My fave item/one that’s stuck in my head the most is CAN YOU BELIEVE no other species (bar whales) go through the menopause except humans? So dogs/cats/every other animal remain fertile and menstruating until they DIE!!! What the FUCK!!!
October 9, 2023
4.5. It’s been ages since I’ve read quality feminist history. I love the object image paired with a biting historical commentary. Most excellent! The objects themselves cover the spectrum; bidets to pussyhats. There’s emotions among these facts, sorrow and joy in equal parts. I’d not thought of many of these stories in ages, and it makes me happy to see them again. A much needed volume and deftly executed. All women will enjoy this read.
March 15, 2025
I don’t read much non fiction but this was very enjoyable to listen to on Audible, so many great, well known narrators. This brought change of pace and tone to keep interest ( though if you opt for the book there are illustrations).
The objects are a focal point for each “essay” where you get an insight into issues rather than a detailed academic discussion so it does not get too heavy. I liked the anticipation in many chapters of guessing where the author was going with an object chosen.
Many educational and thought provoking examples of the struggles of women through history alongside the lighter ones. Who would have thought that Chanel No.5, cave paintings and glass dildos would all feature!
The objects are a focal point for each “essay” where you get an insight into issues rather than a detailed academic discussion so it does not get too heavy. I liked the anticipation in many chapters of guessing where the author was going with an object chosen.
Many educational and thought provoking examples of the struggles of women through history alongside the lighter ones. Who would have thought that Chanel No.5, cave paintings and glass dildos would all feature!
April 1, 2025
Absolutely loved listening to this on Audible I'd definitely recommend the audio version over physical copy as part of the appeal came from hearing the women narrate their chapters on objects.
The women chosen are among some of my favourites - Elif Shafak, Dolly Alderton, Helen Mirrem, Judi Dench etc and it's no mean feat how Hirsch has managed to get such a great range of narrators.
It was a really interesting and powerful book, exploring a plethora of objects and their relation to women's history. The chapter on the suffragettes brought a lump to my throat and really got under my skin. I'd recommend this to anyone. 5 🌟
The women chosen are among some of my favourites - Elif Shafak, Dolly Alderton, Helen Mirrem, Judi Dench etc and it's no mean feat how Hirsch has managed to get such a great range of narrators.
It was a really interesting and powerful book, exploring a plethora of objects and their relation to women's history. The chapter on the suffragettes brought a lump to my throat and really got under my skin. I'd recommend this to anyone. 5 🌟
August 12, 2024
4.5
Det var en fryd å lese denne boka, og jeg har lært masse nytt!!
Det neste som trekker boka ned, er at mindre en 10% av objektene er hentet utenfor Vesten. Med andre ord er den en historie av kvinner i den vestlige verden, noe som begrenser perspektivet.
Favoritt kapitler:
- Heald femur
- Lilith amulet
- Chopines (platform shoes)
- Ashley's sack
- Safety bike
- Sticker, "Red orchestra" resistance group
- Women airforce service pilots insignia
Det var en fryd å lese denne boka, og jeg har lært masse nytt!!
Det neste som trekker boka ned, er at mindre en 10% av objektene er hentet utenfor Vesten. Med andre ord er den en historie av kvinner i den vestlige verden, noe som begrenser perspektivet.
Favoritt kapitler:
- Heald femur
- Lilith amulet
- Chopines (platform shoes)
- Ashley's sack
- Safety bike
- Sticker, "Red orchestra" resistance group
- Women airforce service pilots insignia
May 27, 2024
Sublime.
May 14, 2025
couldn’t finish it, hated the way it was written, at times it even felt like she was making fun of women, was mostly just a history of french women and also had a very odd chapter on israel …
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