Hypatia : $b or, Woman and knowledge

The book opens with a striking declaration that the story of Hypatia—a brilliant lecturer torn apart by intolerant forces—mirrors the fate the author expects for these pages. From the outset, the author weaves myth and modern history, using figures like Jason, Medea, Artemis and Aspasia to illustrate the long‑running clash between women's aspirations and a patriarchal order. Her tone is both scholarly and impassioned, positioning the early 20th‑century suffrage struggle as a continuation of ancient battles for voice and respect.

Through a series of incisive essays, she examines how the “sex war” of the era echoed earlier myths, explores the early struggles of feminism, and considers the roles of mothers, activists and the men who opposed them. The writing balances personal reflection with broader social analysis, inviting listeners to see how the fight for knowledge and equality that once endangered Hypatia still reverberates today.