Friedan argued that the dissatisfaction rampant among post-war American women was the direct result of the 'feminine mystique,' a limiting trope of passivity then prevalent in mainstream culture. First printing of this monumental work, which nearly single-handedly ushered in second-wave feminism. The Feminine Mystique is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States, and is considered one of the most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century.

Shining a floodlight on women's previously-hidden problems, Friedan takes aim at society's structural sexism and urges women to find fulfillment outside of the domestic realm that engages their full mental capacity. She coined the phrase 'feminine mystique' to highlight the prevalent assumption that a 'feminine' woman would be completely fulfilled by domestic life and not seek anything more, such as education, work, or even have political opinions. Curiously, she found that despite having children and enjoying material comforts, many of the women she spoke to were unhappy in their role as housewives. Fifteen years after graduating from Smith College, Friedan was tasked with surveying her fellow all-female alumni. In a Near Fine unclipped dust jacket with light wear to edges and surface, small tape repair to the blindside. Near Fine with light softening to spine ends, former owner name to front free endpaper. Bound in publisher's full black cloth lettered in gilt on the spine. Signed and inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper. Bookplate to the rear of the free endpaper. A small amount of fading and a few marks to the lower spine. Some marks to the gilt detail on the front and rear boards.

Externally, very smart with minor shelf wear. Bookplate for 'County of Hereford and Worcester', to the rear of the front free endpaper. Betty Friedan was a prolific American writer and activist, who was chosen as the first president of the National Organisation for Women, and later organised the nationwide 'Women's Strike for Equality'.

Through interviews and psychological research, Friedan raises the voices of women who were often unheard. First published in the early 1960s, the book analyses the assumption that American women should become housewives. 'The Feminine Mystique', is a classic feminist book, widely recognised as having started the second-wave feminist movement in the United States of America.

Printed on archival quality paper, especially milled for this edition. In the original full crushed morocco binding with decorative gilt detail, and a satin ribbon marker. A handsome collector's edition copy of this classic feminist book by Betty Friedan, widely recognised as having started the second-wave feminist movement.

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