Great look at women in powerful positions throughout history. I can see this being used as a textbook in the future, much as many of Beard's other texts have. Helps put context to the way the world works today!

This book might be on the short side, but it is so packed with insights on the historical origins of how women and power have been (and continue to be) viewed by society that I had to read it three times to be sure I had grasped all of what she had to say. Mary Beard brings to bear all of her academic prowess to the examination of how women were viewed in relation to the power structure in ancient Rome, and how that is reflected in women's relationship with the power structure in our times. Her examination is unflinching and Beard weaves in her own experiences stepping into an authority role with those of female political figures. The most powerful question Beard asks in her book is: "If women aren't perceived to be within the structure of power, isn't it power itself we need to redefine?" If half a population is shut out of a society's political and authority roles, can those who hold those roles really claim equality in their society?

This is a very short book which is really transcripts of lectures on the history of Women and their lack of political power. She begins in ancient history and continues to contemporary times. The power in question is mostly political. The author is a scholar but these lectures are for a mass audience. She does not offer any solutions. Overall this is a quick thought provoking read.

This is a brilliantly written study of how men have been telling women to shut up and know their place throughout history. From Ancient Rome to the modern day, the ever brilliant Mary Beard takes us on a journey through the ages, highlighting the many and varied ways that women have been silenced, marginalised and bullied by misogynists the world over.
It also reframes and deconstructs the gender norms, highlighting the way strong powerful women are portrayed and how they've been made to sit down (Elisabeth Warren) and shut up (Philomela, who had her tongue cut out).
This could not be a more timely and essential read. As we risk taking major steps backwards, women need to make their voices heard and it's gratifying to see that we are. This book should get us fired up even more! Excellent.

A fascinating fast read from much respected scholar Mary Beard on the history of man's attempt to silence and incapacitate women. She reaches back to Homer, and follows the trail through Aristophanes, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, history, and right up Twitter road to present day.

Beard speaks from years of study and also personal experience. - I was following her on Twitter while she was being 'lectured' by men on Roman history.

This book shines a spotlight on what has been happening since Ayla inadvertently invented the patriarchy eons ago.