taffy_sea's review
3.0
If you know what you're getting into, you'll love it.
1. The broadsides are absolutely gorgeous. The authors are wonderful artists and the book is incredibly visually appealing.
2. There's a good variety of women here, from all different subjects, eras, and even different countries (though understandably US-centric, as the authors are from the US). The women in this book are remarkable, and the work they did deserves to be remembered and honored in this way.
3. I got this book to read about the different women, not knowing anything about the broadside project that the book is about. At first I didn't like the book, because it was more focused on creating the broadsides than on the women themselves, and the bios are very slim & selective. But I kept reading because the book covers women I'd never even heard of, and I thought it'd be a good jumping off point. I'm glad I went on with the book. As I said, the broadsides are well done and a joy to look at. Once I realized how the book was framed- that first the authors came up with a cause, then a quote, then a woman, THEN researched her bio for the broadsides- I felt a lot better reading it, and less like they co-opted these women to fit their causes. The images in the book are really great, but they seldom relate to their captions. It's as if the authors had extra content to write and images they really wanted to use, and just cobbled them together.
4. What I'm saying is: Don't read it for comprehensive bios of feminists - read it for an overview of some of these interesting, active women through the perspective of the -again, really beautiful- broadsides project. Enjoy the images & broadsides, and if you're interested in any of these women, do your own reading into their lives. I'm glad I read it & I'd recommend the book for enjoyable reading, whether you just love the topic or printing, or you're looking to get started learning about some fascinating, well-known women. 3.8 out of 5 stars.
1. The broadsides are absolutely gorgeous. The authors are wonderful artists and the book is incredibly visually appealing.
2. There's a good variety of women here, from all different subjects, eras, and even different countries (though understandably US-centric, as the authors are from the US). The women in this book are remarkable, and the work they did deserves to be remembered and honored in this way.
3. I got this book to read about the different women, not knowing anything about the broadside project that the book is about. At first I didn't like the book, because it was more focused on creating the broadsides than on the women themselves, and the bios are very slim & selective. But I kept reading because the book covers women I'd never even heard of, and I thought it'd be a good jumping off point. I'm glad I went on with the book. As I said, the broadsides are well done and a joy to look at. Once I realized how the book was framed- that first the authors came up with a cause, then a quote, then a woman, THEN researched her bio for the broadsides- I felt a lot better reading it, and less like they co-opted these women to fit their causes. The images in the book are really great, but they seldom relate to their captions. It's as if the authors had extra content to write and images they really wanted to use, and just cobbled them together.
4. What I'm saying is: Don't read it for comprehensive bios of feminists - read it for an overview of some of these interesting, active women through the perspective of the -again, really beautiful- broadsides project. Enjoy the images & broadsides, and if you're interested in any of these women, do your own reading into their lives. I'm glad I read it & I'd recommend the book for enjoyable reading, whether you just love the topic or printing, or you're looking to get started learning about some fascinating, well-known women. 3.8 out of 5 stars.
caseykoester39's review
4.0
Absolutely gorgeous book that is such fun to pour over. The pages are thick and the design of the layout so fun to explore. There are 4 pages of backstory on each highlighted woman, with two pages devoted to the artwork created by the authors and an explanation for the inspirations.
The authors address problematic elements in each highlighted historical figure, even things that have become problematic since their spotlight on their life. Very interesting format.
The authors address problematic elements in each highlighted historical figure, even things that have become problematic since their spotlight on their life. Very interesting format.
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
An art collective started making broadsides, to commemorate famous women in history, but also to raise money for various causes. They have been doing this for a number of years, and decided to collect all of these broadsides into a book.
But what good would such a book be, if you knew nothing about the women that inspired these. So each of the braodsides, which were created, have a breakdown of why the symbles used, and text used were done, plus a short bio of each woman. And perhaps you think you know Marie Curie, or Rachel Carson, but after reading this book you will learn more, so much more.
This is a great collection of wonderful women, and wonderful history.
Everyone should ahve this book as a wonderful history lesson, as well as a beautiful piece of artwork.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But what good would such a book be, if you knew nothing about the women that inspired these. So each of the braodsides, which were created, have a breakdown of why the symbles used, and text used were done, plus a short bio of each woman. And perhaps you think you know Marie Curie, or Rachel Carson, but after reading this book you will learn more, so much more.
This is a great collection of wonderful women, and wonderful history.
Everyone should ahve this book as a wonderful history lesson, as well as a beautiful piece of artwork.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
thecottoncandyunicorn's review
5.0
This was a lovely book. Seeing as it was written by two white women, I was pleasantly surprised at the intersectionality within. I feel like I've learned a lot about many different women, and I'm glad that I picked up this book.
mindsplinters's review
5.0
Gorgeous, graphic, and full of bits and bobs of information. It also had the extra bonus points of including details about the creation process, the artist/printers' work.
burnourhistory's review
4.0
The art was incredible. Ariculated beautifully and thoughtful, each broadside was a joy to view. The passages were light on actual information but given the purpose if the book, that was no surprise. This was definitely a great introduction to some little known female figures in history.
jennybeastie's review
5.0
I am finding great comfort and inspiration in this book, Dead Feminists, as I read about women who fought for things, who accomplished things, who were thoughtful and vibrant and ferocious. I am equally delighted that the book is by two of my printing friends, Jessica Spring and Chandler O'Leary, and is all about letterpress as well. It's a thing of beauty, and of voice.
Also, a remarkably accessible and interesting history book.
Also, a remarkably accessible and interesting history book.