Review: The Periodic Table of Feminism by Marisa Bate

The Periodic Table of Feminism by Marisa Bate  (October 16, 2018 / Seal Press)

My Review:

This fun and unique book features dozens of feminists by dividing them into "chemical" groups like the periodic table. For example, the catalysts section features "pioneers and fire-starters," like Susan B. Anthony and Sheryl Sandberg and the explosives section features "radicals and anarchists" like Adrienne Rich and Roxane Gay. As the book progresses from members of the First Wave through the Fourth Wave, a reader can follow the many paths, focal points, and theories that lie beneath the wider umbrella of feminism. This book obviously cannot cover every aspect of feminism but it offers lots of information...all in under 200 pages. Its small size makes it the perfect addition to your travel bag or purse. It is ideal for reading snippets and sections here or there as time allows or you could probably devour it in a single sitting. My reading fell somewhere in between because I found myself researching women and topics I hadn't heard about before like publishing pioneer Barbara Smith or rebellious priest Una Kroll. A definite "must have" if you want to know more about the main players in the feminist movements.