Product Description

From one of America's most respected critics comes an acclaimed biography of the controversial feminist. Here, Heilbrun illuminates the life and explores the many facets of Steinem's complex life, from her difficult childhood to the awakening that changed her into the most famous feminist in the world. Intimate and insightful, here is a biography that is as provocative as the woman who inspired it. Photos.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #306009 in Books
• Published on: 1996-10-29
• Released on: 1996-10-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Biography of the pivotal and occasionally controversial feminist and co-founder of Ms. magazine.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Heilbrun, the accomplished literary scholar (Writing a Woman's Life, LJ 10/15/88) and mystery author under the nom de plume Amanda Cross, offers her interpretation of a complex and admirable subject, feminist avatar Gloria Steinem. Unhappily, the result is disappointing, in part because it seems premature with Steinem only 60 and still active in the women's movement. But the book suffers from more serious imperfections as well. Though Heilbrun discusses at length Steinem's relationship with her mother, she neglects connections with Steinem's father and her sister. A large share of the book treats Steinem's numerous celebrity liaisons; while legitimate in a posthumous examination, such discussion is inescapably tawdry when the subject is still living. Finally and most puzzling, the writing lacks polish. Long quotations are awkwardly integrated, and some sentences require rereading. The definitive work is still to be written, but this one will nevertheless attract a large audience.
-?Cynthia Harrison, Federal Judicial Ctr., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Here's a marriage made in heaven: Columbia professor emerita Heilbrun, groundbreaking theorist on the "male" structure of biographical conventions (Writing a Woman's Life [1988]) and author (as Amanda Cross) of the witty, feminist Kate Fansler mysteries, and Steinem, journalist, multi-issue activist, Ms. founder, best-selling author, at once praised and pilloried as perhaps the most visible feminist of the late twentieth century. Heilbrun did dozens of interviews, traveled to Steinem's childhood homes, and plowed through her uncataloged memorabilia and papers at Smith College. The portrait that results is nuanced and thoughtful, respectful of Steinem's work but prepared to question some of her explanations. Revising Emerson's advice on consistency, Heilbrun sees Steinem's life as "testimony to the power of contradictory behavior." Probing and often reconciling dissonant elements that fuel critics' venom, Heilbrun sees in Steinem's past six decades "a steadfastness of purpose, a willingness to undertake risks and to work for chosen goals, and a firmness in maintaining her principles" that provide an essential continuity. Heilbrun's goal is at once to understand how Steinem became the woman she is, and what her life can teach us about childhood and family, self and society. Slow at the start, but Heilbrun soon captures readers' interest and imagination. Mary Carroll

Customer Reviews

Terrific and enlightening book!
I have admired Gloria Steinem since I came to this country in the 70's to go to college. She has had to make some tough choices in her life and I respect her greatly for the path she took. I particularly liked to read about her early years, her childhood and family, prior to the more public New York life of the sophisticated writer and feminist persona she became. After reading this book, I feel that I understand much better where her strong motivation came from. The author deserves much praise for this biography.

If you are interested in Gloria Steinem this is THE BOOK!!!
I read this book nonstop while on a lengthy car trip. I found it to be incredibly interesting, informative, well-researched, and enjoyable to read. If you've ever wondered how Gloria Steinem got to be the icon that she is, this book explains it all. Whether you are researching Steinem or just looking for an interesting non-fiction, this book is for you!!

For all those who wonder about Steinem
A sympathetic biography of one of the most famous leaders in the women's movement. According to Heilbrun, Steinem's beauty and ability to remain constantly in the public eye have been a constant source of irritation to other feminists. She presents Steinmen as a slightly naive, well-intentioned and empathetic individual who never intended to lead the feminist movement and indeed would have preferred remaining in the shadows as a reporter and writer.