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A History of Women in 101 Objects
Discover the hidden history of women—and the world—through this visual exploration of intimate objects and the surprising, sometimes shocking, stories behind them.
“I adored this book!” –Olivia Colman
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.
With engaging prose, compelling stories, and a beautiful full-page image of each object, Annabelle Hirsch curates a diverse compendium of women and their things, uncovering the thoughts and feelings at the heart of women’s daily lives. The result is an intimate and lively alternative history of humans in the world. The objects date from prehistory to today and are assembled chronologically to show the evolution of how women were perceived by others, how they perceived themselves, how they fought for freedom. Some (like a 16th century glass dildo) are objects of female pleasure, some (a thumbscrew) of female subjugation. These are artifacts of women celebrated by history and of women unfairly forgotten by it. With variety and nuance, Hirsch cracks open the fissures of what we think we know to illuminate a much richer What do handprints on early cave paintings tell us about the role of women in hunting? What does a mobile phone have to do with femicides? Or Kim Kardashian’s diamond ring with Elena Ferrante?
Wide-ranging, subversive, witty, and superbly researched, this is a book that upends all our assumptions about, and presentations of, the past, proving it has always been as complicated and fascinating as the women that peopled it.
“I adored this book!” –Olivia Colman
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.
With engaging prose, compelling stories, and a beautiful full-page image of each object, Annabelle Hirsch curates a diverse compendium of women and their things, uncovering the thoughts and feelings at the heart of women’s daily lives. The result is an intimate and lively alternative history of humans in the world. The objects date from prehistory to today and are assembled chronologically to show the evolution of how women were perceived by others, how they perceived themselves, how they fought for freedom. Some (like a 16th century glass dildo) are objects of female pleasure, some (a thumbscrew) of female subjugation. These are artifacts of women celebrated by history and of women unfairly forgotten by it. With variety and nuance, Hirsch cracks open the fissures of what we think we know to illuminate a much richer What do handprints on early cave paintings tell us about the role of women in hunting? What does a mobile phone have to do with femicides? Or Kim Kardashian’s diamond ring with Elena Ferrante?
Wide-ranging, subversive, witty, and superbly researched, this is a book that upends all our assumptions about, and presentations of, the past, proving it has always been as complicated and fascinating as the women that peopled it.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
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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!
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 💖.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
October 2, 2024
I read it while listening to the audiobook. Each chapter is narrated by a different prominent woman, and it was amazing to hear their voices bring these histories to life. Hopefully one day there could be a second volume with suggestions sourced from the public, as there are many more stories of women waiting to be told.
April 15, 2024
Starting in ancient history and working its way up to modern times, Hirsch explores the evolution of women and their role in society. Each chapter/object is about three pages (perfect in length), and explores such objects as: a metal corset, nun’s crown, perfumed gloves, thumbscrew, typewriter, the hatpin, Chanel No. 5, lipstick, menstruation cup, and more. Hirsch writes with wit and sometimes sarcasm, making sure to include minority women’s history, and taking jabs at the ridiculousness of double standards women faced since the beginning of time. One small critique is I wish it included an object from indigenous women's history.
November 3, 2024
I love material culture and social history 😍
March 23, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Snappy and fascinating chapters, which shared a vivid story for each object. I feel I’ve soaked up a lot of interesting facts.
March 19, 2024
I think the audiobook took away from my enjoyment on this one. The constant change of narrator and subject matter just didn't work for me. A longer read with the print would have been much better.
June 12, 2024
This was really an interesting read! Some chapters were definitely more engrossing than others, but overall, I really enjoyed all the little factoids.
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.
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
October 24, 2024
Hmmm so there are some things I really liked about this book. A lot of chapters (not all but quite a few) offered a really interesting take on women's history and how women are often ignored in history. I also really liked the full cast of narrators in the audiobook.
However, the more the book went on, the more I started to notice some personal issues I had with it. Firstly, calling this a history of women in 101 objects is a bit of a stretch, a few of the 'objects' weren't really objects at all and were rather just ideals to discuss, which was only a minor criticism to be fair.
Instead my main issue was just how western and white centric this was. The author does try to excuse this by saying she wouldn't be able to do other cultures justice which to me is a bit of a lazy excuse. But maybe also for the best because the few chapters she did have on other cultures or POC felt very misguided, like claiming in the 1800s, there was no racial divide in feminism and instead all were women were united?? Not to mention the zionist views and borderline islamophobia.
However, the more the book went on, the more I started to notice some personal issues I had with it. Firstly, calling this a history of women in 101 objects is a bit of a stretch, a few of the 'objects' weren't really objects at all and were rather just ideals to discuss, which was only a minor criticism to be fair.
Instead my main issue was just how western and white centric this was. The author does try to excuse this by saying she wouldn't be able to do other cultures justice which to me is a bit of a lazy excuse. But maybe also for the best because the few chapters she did have on other cultures or POC felt very misguided, like claiming in the 1800s, there was no racial divide in feminism and instead all were women were united?? Not to mention the zionist views and borderline islamophobia.
August 26, 2024
I enjoyed this but thought that the illustrations were terrible: b&w and blurry.
I learnt bits and pieces, mainly because a European wrote the book, so it covered things I wouldn’t have normally known about.
Recommended but don’t listen to it, as you do need to see the illustrations, bad though they are.
The translated blurb reads:
There are countless ways to tell a story about women, but this one does it through objects. A hundred objects from everyday life, fashion, medicine, art, quiet and loud objects, those that testify to women's desire for freedom and rebellion, but also those that stand for the myths and norms that have always been used to keep them down wanted. Annabelle Hirsch creates a cosmos of women and their things. We encounter an antique Amazon doll, a Lilith amulet, Hildegard von Bingen's nun's crown, Venetian stilt shoes, a bidet, a hunger strike medal, a plate by Vanessa Bell, an American slave's cotton bag, a brooch by Hannah Arendt , a “100 kilometer per hour coat”, a Tupperware container and much more.
I learnt bits and pieces, mainly because a European wrote the book, so it covered things I wouldn’t have normally known about.
Recommended but don’t listen to it, as you do need to see the illustrations, bad though they are.
The translated blurb reads:
There are countless ways to tell a story about women, but this one does it through objects. A hundred objects from everyday life, fashion, medicine, art, quiet and loud objects, those that testify to women's desire for freedom and rebellion, but also those that stand for the myths and norms that have always been used to keep them down wanted. Annabelle Hirsch creates a cosmos of women and their things. We encounter an antique Amazon doll, a Lilith amulet, Hildegard von Bingen's nun's crown, Venetian stilt shoes, a bidet, a hunger strike medal, a plate by Vanessa Bell, an American slave's cotton bag, a brooch by Hannah Arendt , a “100 kilometer per hour coat”, a Tupperware container and much more.
October 31, 2024
This book is such a treasure trove of information about the history of women over centuries -- about oppression, rebellion, and how the significance of objects can change from one era to the next -- that it's truly impossible to know where to begin. There was just So Much in it that I didn't know and was delighted and sometimes shocked to learn.
The writing is clear, lively, often humorous, and inspiring, so don't let the somewhat dry-as-dust textbook-ish packaging put you off. The book's format makes it ideal for dipping into for short bursts of reading: a full-page picture of an object on the left-hand page, followed by three pages of text.
That said, although I sometimes read about just a couple of objects before moving on to do something else, I often gobbled many pages at a time, the way I would with a novel.
I'd love for every woman I know to read this thoroughly researched, entertaining and enlightening book!
The writing is clear, lively, often humorous, and inspiring, so don't let the somewhat dry-as-dust textbook-ish packaging put you off. The book's format makes it ideal for dipping into for short bursts of reading: a full-page picture of an object on the left-hand page, followed by three pages of text.
That said, although I sometimes read about just a couple of objects before moving on to do something else, I often gobbled many pages at a time, the way I would with a novel.
I'd love for every woman I know to read this thoroughly researched, entertaining and enlightening book!
July 5, 2024
Hirsch's collective of 101 objects really soars when the objects hint on the daily intimacies and lives of women and girls throughout history. Some of these chapters, including the ones on Amazon dolls, chopines, the safety bicycle, and the 100 MPH coat, speak to the constant fight for women and girls of not living under constant surveillance of patriarchy. They speak to adventure, freedom, and individuality. The last chapter, about women in Iran, ties many of the book's ideas together. I wish there was more inclusion of trans women.
Listening to the audiobook is a treat; every chapter is read by a different woman who has influenced media in some way or another.
Listening to the audiobook is a treat; every chapter is read by a different woman who has influenced media in some way or another.
March 26, 2024
Equal parts entertaining and enlightening, this is an incredible feat of storytelling that manages to turn several textbooks worth of overlooked and forgotten history into easily digestible 3-page chapters.
I’m oddly proud to have read this, having partaken in an effort to recognize, revitalize, and revindicate the stories of these women who shaped our world.
Ultimately, I find myself left with grief, gratitude, and awe. I hope these stories and the questions they raise stay with me as I learn to navigate this world and discover the role I’d like to play within it.
I’m oddly proud to have read this, having partaken in an effort to recognize, revitalize, and revindicate the stories of these women who shaped our world.
Ultimately, I find myself left with grief, gratitude, and awe. I hope these stories and the questions they raise stay with me as I learn to navigate this world and discover the role I’d like to play within it.
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