feminism and current events

If you have ever wondered why people make much of Germaine Greer (I often did) this book shows her writing at its best. I think that essays suit Greer better than books. The discipline of a short length doesn't allow her to wander off on tangents and self-indulgence (as much).

The earlier essays are the most appealing being often witty, trenchent, and incisive. I occasionally remember one and laugh. They are of course sometimes dated, and often marred by a certain transcendent smugness. Greer may call for wide-open revolution and anarchy, but she is sometimes appalled by the results. The problem with urging people to be authentic and make decisions for themselves without reference to society and its standards is that they will often make decisions one doesn't approve of.

The later essays take on more serious topics, but they are far less stylish and frequently no more clearly thought out.

Valuable, even essential, for people interested in Greer, but not necessarily recommended for a broad audience. ( )