Feminine Mystique

"If you've never read it, read it now." ―Arianna Huffington, O, The Oprah Magazine

The Feminine Mystique, a landmark, groundbreaking, and classic work, barely does justice to its pioneering vision and lasting impact. Published in 1963, it provided a pitch-perfect description of "the problem that has no name": the insidious beliefs and institutions that undermined women's confidence in their intellectual capabilities and kept them in the home.

Writing in a time when the average woman first married in her teens and 60 percent of women students dropped out of college to marry, Betty Friedan captured the frustrations and thwarted ambitions of a generation and showed women how they could reclaim their lives. Part social chronicle, part manifesto, The Feminine Mystique is filled with fascinating anecdotes and interviews as well as insights that continue to inspire.

This 50th–anniversary edition features an afterword by best-selling author Anna Quindlen as well as a new introduction by Gail Collins. The book's enduring relevance is a testament to the power of Friedan's words and the lasting impact of her work.

The Feminine Mystique was a groundbreaking and pioneering work that gave a voice to the unspoken frustrations of a generation of women. Friedan's incisive analysis and compelling narrative shattered the myth of the perfect, content housewife and exposed the societal pressures that confined women to domestic roles.

The book's influence cannot be overstated. It sparked a nationwide conversation, inspiring women to question the status quo and demand more from their lives. Friedan's insights resonated across diverse backgrounds, empowering women to reclaim their intellectual and professional aspirations.

The Feminine Mystique's enduring significance is further highlighted by this 50th-anniversary edition, which features new perspectives from acclaimed authors. Quindlen's afterword and Collins' introduction provide valuable context, underscoring the book's continued relevance in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

In a time when the average woman married in her teens and college-educated women often abandoned their studies to start families, Friedan's work was a clarion call for change. Her vivid anecdotes and insightful interviews painted a compelling portrait of the suppressed desires and untapped potential of a generation of women.

The book's impact extended far beyond its initial publication, inspiring a social movement that challenged traditional gender roles and empowered women to seek fulfillment outside the domestic sphere. Friedan's work laid the foundation for the burgeoning feminist movement, paving the way for subsequent generations to continue the fight for equal rights and opportunities.

The Feminine Mystique remains a seminal work, a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of empowerment and self-determination is as relevant now as it was in 1963, serving as a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains to be done in the pursuit of true gender equality.

product information: