The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History First Edition

Rees moves effortlessly here through a variety of historical periods and a wide genre of “art” to demonstrate her points about the female anatomy. From artists such as the Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (and her Judith paintings) to Georgia O’Keefe (Black Iris) and from writers such as Chaucer (Canterbury Tales) and Rabelais (Gargantua and Pantagruel) to Denis Diderot (Les Bijoux Indiscrets), William Burroughs (The Naked Lunch), and Susanna Kaysen (Girl, Interrupted); and from photographers such as Renée Cox and Zoe Leonard, Rees draws conversantly on both the familiar and the arcane. At the same time, Rees calls on the work of early psychologists, philosophers, theorists and critics, such as Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Luce Irigaray, and Julia Kristeva.In a highly fascinating study, the author explicates with skill historical, literary, and artistic concepts, such as the vagina dentata myths (from Aztec tales to Native American Hopi Indians, for example) and contemporary medical and emotional concerns related to FGM. Anyone interested in Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Women’s History, Pop Culture, and Social and/or Literary History should absolutely read Rees’s book. It ought to be on every woman’s reading list. Although this topic may seem intimidating to some, Rees tackles it with amazing clarity and careful study--the seriousness of the study frequently giving way to wonderfully rollicking humor. An absolutely terrific read!

I saw this book reviewed in our local Sydney newspaper and it received excellent reviews.As a doctor(and a man) I was interested by this book on professional and personal levels.It gave an excellent insight into the myths and taboos surrounding the female organ.We should all respect it,after all over fifty percent of the population have one, and most of us came out of one!Sadly,medical school (in the 1980s) did not teach female medicine well.The anatomy and physiology of the female genitalia perhaps,but this excellent book looks at the social and cultural aspects as well.I think this should be a required text for any doctor dealing with females.Well done Ms.Rees!

Super well researched. I would say it is a must read for all women and men who want to educate themselves.

I haven't even read it yet, but hey, you gotta love the cover. I'm a gynecologist, and I just leave it out because it is so awesome!

fine

A displeasing approach which I wouldn't call feminist, from the very start.

Written by a British author it appears to be a college paper as it features a 40 page introduction and each chapter has pages of notes. Contains black and white photos and 8 pages of color photos. Mentions movies, plays, and televison programs where the topic is discussed. Mentions the impact of words and the mysteries enclosed.

I bought this book as a gift, and was surprised at the quality and condition. The book was also much longer and more detailed than I expected which is great.

I bought this book in hardback and forgot to leave a review. I saw that it was now out in paperback and thought I should remedy my omission, as I got a great deal out of this work. It is witty and insightful and a book to which - unusually for me - I have returned several times after first reading. This is not a dry academic text but is a beautifully researched wonderful read. Not just for females or those that identify as such. Fab. I would review it further but cannot to justice to it in the way this review does, which I endorse! http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/book-review-the-vagina-a-literary-and-cultural-history-by-emma-rees-8783684.html

Eine wunderbares kulturgeschichtliches Buch über die Vulva!Intelligent und humorvoll widmet sich die Autorin ihrem Thema, untersucht die Darstellung der Vulva in Sprache, Literatur, Kunst und zeigt, was das aussagt.