Women's History Book Reviews

©1996-2008 womeninworldhistory.com

Women's Roles in Ancient Civilizations: A Reference Guide
Bella Vivante, editor, Greenwood Press, © 1999.

This book provides information on the wide scope of female activities in twelve ancient civilizations. By broadening the time concept of the word "ancient," the book is able to include often ignored early cultures such as those in the Americas and Africa. Laudably it emphasizes the ways women actively participated in their cultures' activities, even when they were repressed or unacknowledged. Written by different scholars, the readings vary in quality (the information on West Africa includes 17th century material!), but all provide easy-to-access information for the secondary student and lay reader.