This collection of classic essays in feminist body studies investigates the history of the image of the female body; from the medical 'discovery' of the clitoris, to the 'body politic' of Queen Elizabeth I, to women deprecated as 'Hottentot Venuses' in the nineteenth century. The text look at the way in which coverings bear cultural meaning: clothing reform during the French Revolution, Islamic veiling, and the invention of the top hat; as well as the embodiment of cherished cultural values in social icons such as the Statue of Liberty or the Barbie doll. By considering culture as it defines not only women but also men, this volume offers both the student and the general reader an insight into the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study involved in feminist body studies.

About the Author
Londa Schiebinger is the Professor of the History of Science at Pennsylvania State University. She has won the Ludwik Fleck Book Prize (Society for Social Studies of Science) for her previous publication Nature's Body, and the History of Women in Science Prize (History of Science Society) for her article Why Mammals are Called Mammals.


Book Information
ISBN 9780198731917
Author Londa Schiebinger
Format Paperback
Page Count 510
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 750g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 28mm