Andrea Dworkin was an American radical feminist and writer, best known for her powerful critique of pornography, which she argued was intrinsically linked to rape and violence against women. Throughout her extensive body of work, she delved into radical feminist theory and practice, deeply exploring the interplay of sexuality, power, and oppression within patriarchal structures. Her writings frequently ignited vigorous debate about the societal impact of pornography and its role in shaping perceptions of gender. Dworkin's literary contributions aimed to illuminate the mechanisms of female subjugation.
Andrea Dworkin’s blazing, prophetic debut argued that a deep-rooted hatred of women has been ingrained in society for centuries – and still governs us today. From fairy tales to erotic novels to witch-burnings, she uncovers the ways in which male violence and oppression have been normalized throughout history, and points the way to liberation.
'Pornography is the orchestrated destruction of women's bodies and souls ... it is war on women' Pornography, Andrea Dworkin argued in this landmark work, is about power: the power of owning, of money, of sex. It is not merely violence against women, but the essential DNA of male dominance. As images of women's bodies continue to be manipulated and consumed, her searing, fearless critique of pornographic media is more urgent and discomfiting than ever. 'A major text for our time' Adrienne Rich 'Dworkin writes with power, anger, daring - and from a great care and love of womankind' Alice Walker 'The woman who showed us the dark core of pornography, the punishing hatred of women that pervades it' Guardian
'Feminism is hated because women are hated' Why do some women support right-wing movements, even though they curtail their freedoms? Andrea Dworkin's timeless, visionary analysis goes to the heart of this contradiction, exploring the Right's positions on abortion, sexuality, racism and antifeminism, and showing how it attempts both to exploit and to quiet women's deepest fears of male violence. The right-wing woman, Dworkin contends, acquiesces to male authority for protection and some semblance of power: because 'survival depends on it'. 'Groundbreaking' Bella Abzug 'Her razor-sharp analysis of why so many women are attracted to a politics that despises their rights is more relevant today than ever' Guardian
Andrea Dworkin's work presents a radical feminist perspective, particularly known for her strong antipornography stance and involvement in the feminist sex wars of the 1980s. Often viewed as a polarizing figure, she challenged conventional narratives by incorporating her personal experiences of violence into her critique of male supremacy. Dworkin's writing, characterized by its urgent and revolutionary tone, continues to influence feminist discourse on sexual freedom, making her a significant, if controversial, voice in the ongoing conversation about women's rights.
Always innovative, often provocative, and frequently polarizing, Andrea Dworkin carved out a unique position as one of the women's movement's most influential figures. She wrote thirteen books, ranging across feminist theory, fiction and poetry. This book is her memoir.
The book that Andrea Dworkin's best known for-in which she provoked the argument that ultimately split apart the feminist movement-is being reissued for the young women and men of the twenty-first century
Through poignant autobiographical reflections, the collection explores the author's childhood and political journey, shaped by personal loss. Addressing tragic events like the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and the Montreal massacre, she highlights societal oversights. Dworkin confronts critical issues affecting women's lives, including pornography, domestic violence, and sexual assault, emphasizing that despite feminist advances, the struggle for gender equality remains a persistent battle. Her incisive essays and speeches solidify her place in modern political thought.