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Oh No He Didn't!: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work
Don’t you hate it when someone takes credit for another person’s idea? It happens a lot, and the people who lose out are often women. This book tells the stories of women whose inventions, discoveries, and creations were credited to men—women like Zelda Fitzgerald, the novelist, painter, and playwright who was more than F. Scott’s wife, and Margaret Knight, who invented the flat-bottomed paper bag but saw the patent go to a man who stole off to the Patent Office with her idea. By telling the stories of the brilliant women artists, inventors, scientists, architects, and mathematicians who were denied their due, Oh No He Didn’t! will help all women tackle obstacles and create a kinship of understanding that will inspire and transcend generations.
222 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2024
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 18, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a collection of essays highlighting different women in history (mostly the 19th and 20th centuries, but at least one earlier than that) who were inventors, scientists, architects, artists, and more, but had their work “stolen” by men, and the men got the credit (and often, the men were awarded prestigious prizes for that work, including a number of Nobel prizes).
This was good. The stories/essays were short, so it’s hard to remember them all. There was biographical information included about the women, as well. And, sadly, a few women whose husbands took advantage and took credit for their wives ideas/inventions/art/etc. (some of those marriages also ended later). A couple of memorable ones for me was who invented Monopoly and the discovery of two-strand DNA. There were also chapteres on Einstein and his wife, Mileva, as well and F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda.
This is a collection of essays highlighting different women in history (mostly the 19th and 20th centuries, but at least one earlier than that) who were inventors, scientists, architects, artists, and more, but had their work “stolen” by men, and the men got the credit (and often, the men were awarded prestigious prizes for that work, including a number of Nobel prizes).
This was good. The stories/essays were short, so it’s hard to remember them all. There was biographical information included about the women, as well. And, sadly, a few women whose husbands took advantage and took credit for their wives ideas/inventions/art/etc. (some of those marriages also ended later). A couple of memorable ones for me was who invented Monopoly and the discovery of two-strand DNA. There were also chapteres on Einstein and his wife, Mileva, as well and F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda.
September 4, 2024
This was a really interesting book. I did not know many of the stories portrayed here and was surprised to learn of all the times when women's discoveries were "stolen" by men. I loved hearing of the times women were able to successfully sue to get their inventions in their name. Overall, I enjoyed the book. The book could have a bit of a snarky tone in some of the stories but it didn't detract from the narrative.
December 26, 2024
I learned so much from this book. It was infuriating yet informative.
September 23, 2024
“Oh No He Didn’t: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work” by Wendy Murphy, JD, is an eye-opening look into how women’s accomplishments have been erased or downplayed throughout history.
Murphy shines a bright, hot spotlight on the many brilliant women who’ve made huge contributions in fields like science, literature, politics, and beyond—only to have their work stolen or misattributed to men. It’s both maddening and fascinating as she relates story after story of these injustices.
Murphy blends her legal expertise with solid research techniques to break down why this keeps happening and what it says about our society. The examples she uses are incredibly relatable. You don’t have to be a scientist, author, or even a women, to understand the wrongs perpetuated against many talented, brilliant women.
The writing style is smart and approachable. It’s the kind of book that makes you shake your head in disbelief but also fires you up to advocate for change.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a wake-up call. “Oh No He Didn’t” is a must-read for anyone who cares about giving credit where credit is due and ensuring women’s voices and achievements are no longer overlooked or downright stolen. This book is as informative as it is empowering.
I received a copy of the book for an iRead Virtual Book Tour. I’m not sure it would have crossed my path otherwise, which would have been a shame, as I found the book enlightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful for the future.
Learn more about the book and author on my website, https://ginaraemitchell.com.
I recommend this book to everyone. Women need to know that they are not alone in this man’s world. It wouldn’t hurt for men to read it to see how prevalent this is and how to prevent themselves from falling into the trap of taking credit for women’s accomplishments. High school and college students should read it to understand how past generations of women were silenced. It’s time for change!
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Murphy shines a bright, hot spotlight on the many brilliant women who’ve made huge contributions in fields like science, literature, politics, and beyond—only to have their work stolen or misattributed to men. It’s both maddening and fascinating as she relates story after story of these injustices.
Murphy blends her legal expertise with solid research techniques to break down why this keeps happening and what it says about our society. The examples she uses are incredibly relatable. You don’t have to be a scientist, author, or even a women, to understand the wrongs perpetuated against many talented, brilliant women.
The writing style is smart and approachable. It’s the kind of book that makes you shake your head in disbelief but also fires you up to advocate for change.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a wake-up call. “Oh No He Didn’t” is a must-read for anyone who cares about giving credit where credit is due and ensuring women’s voices and achievements are no longer overlooked or downright stolen. This book is as informative as it is empowering.
I received a copy of the book for an iRead Virtual Book Tour. I’m not sure it would have crossed my path otherwise, which would have been a shame, as I found the book enlightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful for the future.
Learn more about the book and author on my website, https://ginaraemitchell.com.
I recommend this book to everyone. Women need to know that they are not alone in this man’s world. It wouldn’t hurt for men to read it to see how prevalent this is and how to prevent themselves from falling into the trap of taking credit for women’s accomplishments. High school and college students should read it to understand how past generations of women were silenced. It’s time for change!
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
October 4, 2024
Oh No He Didn't! Highlights Brilliant Women--and the Obstacles and Accomplishments. While the environment for women in the workplace has improved since some of the historical examples presented by the author, many of the obstacles and challenges remain--especially for women in historically male-dominated careers. This book offers a wonderful, well-researched look at the accomplishments of many women throughout history that were credited to men--whether husbands or employers or simply other men in their fields, giving the details, questionable circumstances and justifications, and significance of these contributions. Don't be surprised if you have not heard of many (or most) of these brilliant women! This fact makes the impact of this book all the more profound.
Short Chapters Offer Eye-Opening Realizations. As a former engineer, the scientific accomplishments were not as surprising to me as the artistic slights, such as the insights into the lives of the Fitzgeralds. While the chapters are short, they are well-researched and highlight many eye-opening aspects that remove the masks applied to many of history's great inventions, artistic creations and contributions. As the mother of three daughters--one an artist, one in law school, and one studying neuroscience--the short chapters pack quite a heartbreaking punch as the women's "stolen" works are exposed.
Would I Recommend Oh No He Didn't! by Wendy J. Murphy? Whether you are a history lover or have an interest in women's studies, this book gives readers a lot to consider. Even if you are not a women's rights advocate, the pages of this book are enlightening and educational. As a parent of girls, I find this book enlightening and infuriating. While the book highlights the work and accomplishments of women that was credited to men--the book also discusses the historical justifications and societal implications that allowed it. Written in a short story style, the author provides a lot of points to ponder in an easy-to-read format.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinion are my own.
Short Chapters Offer Eye-Opening Realizations. As a former engineer, the scientific accomplishments were not as surprising to me as the artistic slights, such as the insights into the lives of the Fitzgeralds. While the chapters are short, they are well-researched and highlight many eye-opening aspects that remove the masks applied to many of history's great inventions, artistic creations and contributions. As the mother of three daughters--one an artist, one in law school, and one studying neuroscience--the short chapters pack quite a heartbreaking punch as the women's "stolen" works are exposed.
Would I Recommend Oh No He Didn't! by Wendy J. Murphy? Whether you are a history lover or have an interest in women's studies, this book gives readers a lot to consider. Even if you are not a women's rights advocate, the pages of this book are enlightening and educational. As a parent of girls, I find this book enlightening and infuriating. While the book highlights the work and accomplishments of women that was credited to men--the book also discusses the historical justifications and societal implications that allowed it. Written in a short story style, the author provides a lot of points to ponder in an easy-to-read format.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinion are my own.
September 27, 2024
Throughout history, women's endeavors have often been overlooked, a fact that this book powerfully brings to light. The author's skillful narration unveils the fantastic inventions, discoveries, and creations of women, many of whom lived in the 1800s with limited rights, often considered servants to their husbands. It was all too common for their husbands or coworkers to take credit for the lady's outstanding work, a stark injustice that the book courageously confronts.
The book's use of visual aids such as photos, illustrations, and newspaper articles not only adds credibility to the information but also evokes a strong emotional response.
As I delved into the stories, I found myself deeply moved and, at times, even outraged by the professional treatment of these women. Their overshadowed contributions and undervalued work stirred a profound sense of empathy within me, making their stories all the more compelling and leaving readers feeling deeply connected to the narratives.
Reading this book was truly an eye-opening experience. I was surprised to learn that many of the items we use daily were invented by women. This newfound awareness has significantly enriched my understanding of history and the role of women in shaping our world, making the book an invaluable educational resource that leaves readers feeling more knowledgeable and enlightened.
The author's extensive research and the additional information provided at the end of each chapter are a testament to the book's credibility, allowing readers to delve deeper into the subject matter.
The book's use of visual aids such as photos, illustrations, and newspaper articles not only adds credibility to the information but also evokes a strong emotional response.
As I delved into the stories, I found myself deeply moved and, at times, even outraged by the professional treatment of these women. Their overshadowed contributions and undervalued work stirred a profound sense of empathy within me, making their stories all the more compelling and leaving readers feeling deeply connected to the narratives.
Reading this book was truly an eye-opening experience. I was surprised to learn that many of the items we use daily were invented by women. This newfound awareness has significantly enriched my understanding of history and the role of women in shaping our world, making the book an invaluable educational resource that leaves readers feeling more knowledgeable and enlightened.
The author's extensive research and the additional information provided at the end of each chapter are a testament to the book's credibility, allowing readers to delve deeper into the subject matter.
October 4, 2024
J'ai reçu ce livre de la part de LIBRARYTHING, EARLY REVIEWER, contre une critique honnête.
"Oh No He Didn't!" : Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work (Hardcover)
by Wendy Murphy.
Un livre brillant qui éclaire d'un jour nouveau le cas de toutes ces femmes, plagiées ou spoliées de leur travail par des hommes dénués du moindre scrupule. Qu'il s'agissent de leurs collègues, leurs patrons, leurs conjoints, le sexisme de la gente masculine est dénoncée avec preuves à l'appui, et le lecteur devient témoin de ces innombrables injustices commises contre ces pionnières dont l'objectif premier étaient de servir la science, la littérature, les arts ou le quotidien.
Wendy Murphy nous invite à prendre place dans l'arène qui oppose, depuis toujours, les femmes aux hommes, pour l'attribution de prix, reconnaissance ou honneurs, et dénonce l'inégalité toujours existante aujourd'hui, qui hisse l'homme au sommet, même si une femme fut l'inventrice avant lui.
Lisez cette superbe compilation qui attend de nous tous une vraie parité entre les sexes, contre les préjugés sexistes, et prône une égalité juridique totalement transparente, grâce aux toutes premières suffragettes abolitionnistes ayant ouvert la voie.
"Oh No He Didn't!" : Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work (Hardcover)
by Wendy Murphy.
Un livre brillant qui éclaire d'un jour nouveau le cas de toutes ces femmes, plagiées ou spoliées de leur travail par des hommes dénués du moindre scrupule. Qu'il s'agissent de leurs collègues, leurs patrons, leurs conjoints, le sexisme de la gente masculine est dénoncée avec preuves à l'appui, et le lecteur devient témoin de ces innombrables injustices commises contre ces pionnières dont l'objectif premier étaient de servir la science, la littérature, les arts ou le quotidien.
Wendy Murphy nous invite à prendre place dans l'arène qui oppose, depuis toujours, les femmes aux hommes, pour l'attribution de prix, reconnaissance ou honneurs, et dénonce l'inégalité toujours existante aujourd'hui, qui hisse l'homme au sommet, même si une femme fut l'inventrice avant lui.
Lisez cette superbe compilation qui attend de nous tous une vraie parité entre les sexes, contre les préjugés sexistes, et prône une égalité juridique totalement transparente, grâce aux toutes premières suffragettes abolitionnistes ayant ouvert la voie.
October 20, 2024
This is a well written series of documented examples of some instances where men have usurped the credit (and money!) of the work that intelligent women have done in the past and is still going on today. Each woman's experience with blatant misogyny is done well but without a lot of extraneous wordiness.
There are twenty-four women documented in a wide variety of fields, reasons, and even a Nobel prize! Oddly, I came across Mary Elizabeth Anderson who was granted her first patent in 1903 for an automatic car window cleaning device controlled from inside the car (but not credited or compensated) in weekly history challenge in the newspaper. I had my book copy filched by first one friend (that would be you, Zelda--no excuses), then another, so go get your own!
I entered a LibraryThing Giveaway and won my print copy offered by Cynren Press (Publisher). Thank you!
#OhNoHeDidnt by Wendy Murphy @WMurphyLaw #NonFiction #WomensStudies #Biography @CynrenPress @LibraryThing
There are twenty-four women documented in a wide variety of fields, reasons, and even a Nobel prize! Oddly, I came across Mary Elizabeth Anderson who was granted her first patent in 1903 for an automatic car window cleaning device controlled from inside the car (but not credited or compensated) in weekly history challenge in the newspaper. I had my book copy filched by first one friend (that would be you, Zelda--no excuses), then another, so go get your own!
I entered a LibraryThing Giveaway and won my print copy offered by Cynren Press (Publisher). Thank you!
#OhNoHeDidnt by Wendy Murphy @WMurphyLaw #NonFiction #WomensStudies #Biography @CynrenPress @LibraryThing
October 1, 2024
What a eye opening book and it leaves you with a lot to consider. I personally would be furious if someone stole my words, invention or idea. Just like I would never even consider stealing someone else's and if I did I imagine they wouldn't be happy. This is a book of inventions that smart, intelligent and imaginative women have come up with and men have stolen their invention and claimed it as their own. Claiming credit for someone else's hard earned achievements is actually cowardly and I was surprised by how often it has happened. I was also surprised by some that are famous and I never knew for example Hidden Figures. Wendy Murphy has told these stories with pride and I admire her for bringing it too light.
October 10, 2024
Oh No He Didn't!: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work by Wendy Murphy is about the talents of courageous women from the past who were responsible - but yet not given credit for - many inventions, breakthroughs, and concepts. The book covers twenty four of these women. They were activists, designers, engineers, students, novelists, chemists, sculptors, artists, inventors, scientists, architects, and mathematicians. I found it interesting to see how many men were given distinguishable awards, world renowned status, and patents that should have actually been given to those that should have been recognized. These include inventions of disposable diapers, discoveries of climate change, works of art, and finding treatments for leprosy. It is obvious that Wendy Murphy did her research to bring this book to life. I could not help but to think of the saying "Behind every successful man, stands a strong woman".
I am going to give Oh No He Didn't!: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read biographies and history. I would love to read more releases from Wendy Murphy in the future to see what other interesting subjects she writes about.
I received a paperback copy of Wendy Murphy's Oh No He Didn't!: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am going to give Oh No He Didn't!: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read biographies and history. I would love to read more releases from Wendy Murphy in the future to see what other interesting subjects she writes about.
I received a paperback copy of Wendy Murphy's Oh No He Didn't!: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
August 21, 2024
The book delivers
I loved this book. I found the writing compelling, conversational, and fluid. I also enjoyed the length of the individual stories; hitting the sweet spot of enough information to get the point across but never getting bogged down in details. I very easily fell into the trap of reading just one more but it was never just one more. I also liked the broad range of topics including chemistry, biology, and invention. The illustrations, including patent drawings and advertisements were a great addition. I also thought that the Author’s Note was well done and important. Thank you to Edelweiss and Cynren Press for the advance reader copy.
I loved this book. I found the writing compelling, conversational, and fluid. I also enjoyed the length of the individual stories; hitting the sweet spot of enough information to get the point across but never getting bogged down in details. I very easily fell into the trap of reading just one more but it was never just one more. I also liked the broad range of topics including chemistry, biology, and invention. The illustrations, including patent drawings and advertisements were a great addition. I also thought that the Author’s Note was well done and important. Thank you to Edelweiss and Cynren Press for the advance reader copy.
October 6, 2024
3/5 stars
Thank you to Cynryn Press for the ARC!
This book is a nice compilation of the stories of women whose work/inventions were stolen by men. Each chapter is a different woman's story, and all seem well researched.
While I did learn some interesting tidbits of trivia, I struggled to finish this book as it just didn't really capture my attention. I'm not sure I personally connected with the author's voice, even though the language was very accessible. Juvenile isn't the right word, but there are quite a few run-on sentences and snarky lines where I expected a more serious tone. I'm not saying I'm a better writer, I think I was just looking for something a little different.
Thank you to Cynryn Press for the ARC!
This book is a nice compilation of the stories of women whose work/inventions were stolen by men. Each chapter is a different woman's story, and all seem well researched.
While I did learn some interesting tidbits of trivia, I struggled to finish this book as it just didn't really capture my attention. I'm not sure I personally connected with the author's voice, even though the language was very accessible. Juvenile isn't the right word, but there are quite a few run-on sentences and snarky lines where I expected a more serious tone. I'm not saying I'm a better writer, I think I was just looking for something a little different.
October 1, 2024
What an incredible jewel of knowledge this book is! I'll be honest; I had to read this in small chunks because it made me so angry to learn of the atrocities. Quite handy, the book is already set up in the perfect form as each "chapter" is the entire story of one inventor and is backed up by the research notes so we readers can learn even more.
If I was still a classroom teacher, I would definitely be using this throughout the year as a tool.
If I was still a classroom teacher, I would definitely be using this throughout the year as a tool.
June 19, 2025
This book was very interesting to read about such interesting women who were not given the due they deserved. I did not realize how many women were discovering new things and making great achievements and not being recognized. It is very important to remember them and honour their achievements. This author is doing good by getting the message out there. I received a free book from LibraryThing and the views and opinions are my own.
April 14, 2025
p-n, s-n, v-n, a-n
April 22, 2025
Fascinating account of the many successes of women that have been lost to history. With Trump’s assault on DEI one can assume there will be ample stories for follow up books by the author.
November 19, 2024
A good, if maddening, book. I had to limit myself to two chapters a day to keep from being irritated for the rest of it. I am glad this information is being made known.
Murphy did a good job of balancing the amount of background information given and keeping us apprised of where the credit is due.
Murphy did a good job of balancing the amount of background information given and keeping us apprised of where the credit is due.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews