Public Woman

Joan Smith is a novelist, columnist and human rights activist. She has been involved in campaigns for free expression, authors' rights, and literacy in Sierra Leone. She currently speaks for Hacked Off, the organisation which represents victims of phone hacking. She is an honorary associate of the National Secular Society and supports Republic, the campaign for an elected head of state.

• Contents: Introduction 1: Display Britain's Got Narcissism Polar Disorder Performance Vagina Cantata 2: Domination Queen Wag Calm Down, Dear Crystal's Story Keeper of the Flame Veiled Messages 3: Enforcement Possession 'Tis Pity She's A Whore Buying Power The Witches of Perugia Conclusion Declaration of the Rights of Women

`Brilliant ... A compelling rap sheet of 21st century misogynies and a reprimand to anyone who declares the battle for gender equality is over' Robin Ince;m`Joan Smith dares to expose woman-hating in all its forms. She does not shy away from naming religion and cultural relativism as barriers to liberation, and names men and the system of patriarchy as the problem. Read this book, not least because it will open your eyes to how much needs to be done before we consign male supremacy to the museum of ancient relics.' Julie Bindel; 'Joan Smith is a one-woman campaign, and this relevant and disturbing book is a call to arms - so bring it on.' Frances Wilson, Literary Review; 'In a discussion of Amy Winehouse, the significance of the veil, the career of Rebekah Brooks and the ignominious trial of Amanda Knox, The Public Woman reveals itself as a clear-sighted, focused precis of the state of female rights.' Sunday Times; `A respected heavy-hitter in the feminist arena ... Smith makes one realise the way that serious and important rights that most of us take for granted are distorted or marginalised for a large and alarming number of women - and she writes well enough to make you stick with this seriously important book.' Katharine Whitehorn, Observer