The Female Eunuch is a 1970 book by Germaine Greer that became an international bestseller and an important text in the feminist movement. Greer's thesis is that the "traditional" suburban, consumerist, nuclear family represses women sexually, and that this devitalises them, rendering them eunuchs. The book was published in London in October 1970. It received a mixed reception, but by March 1971, it had nearly sold out its second printing. It has been translated into eleven languages.
Cover of the first edition
Camille Paglia is an ardent fan of The Female Eunuch, highlighting Greer's "brilliant and aggressive voice".
Germaine Greer is an Australian writer and public intellectual, regarded as one of the major voices of the second-wave feminism movement in the latter half of the 20th century.
Greer at the University of Melbourne in 2013
Elwood beach. The skyline of the Melbourne city centre is visible in the distance.
The Old Arts building, University of Melbourne
Royal George Hotel, Sydney, 2010