1
The Feminine Mystique, by Betty Friedan
This may have been written back in 1963, but the subject matter is (unfortunately) timeless. At the time, it described “the problem that has no name” AKA all of the institutionalized beliefs that cut down women’s abilities and kept them at home. Although a lot has changed since the book was written (women weren’t even allowed their own credit cards back then) it touches on issues that are still very much an issue now.
2
The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir
Jumping back even earlier to 1949, philosopher Simone de Beauvoir was ahead of her time, discussing the treatment (or rather, mistreatment) of women in society. The book was so controversial at the time it was banned by the Vatican, but has been credited as a major contributor to the start of second-wave feminism. It’s a necessary read for anyone who wants to get a well-rounded view of historical feminism.
3
The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
3
The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Speaking of historical feminism, The Yellow Wallpaper, written in 1892, is considered an integral part of early feminist literature. It’s a collection of journal entries written by a woman whose physician husband is treating her for “a slight hysterical tendency” (something lots of women were labelled with at the time). She reflects on women’s lack of life outside the home, and how oppressive the patriarchy can be, both things that are still being worked through over 130 years later.