this was brilliant!

throughly enjoyed this. went in unsure but it was so insightful and the view point given was eye opening.
you know, things like how women dress as men to be strong like a man. be ready to do a man’s job. men that dress as women are seeking God, because they will forever envy their mothers.
and examples are given.
same with the concept of women having power. why in modern day as well throughout history woman have power over children, or those not yet at adulthood. why men mostly assault and rape women. woman can’t more than they don’t. and they do, throughout history and literature but with minors, where they have the dominance.
this lead to a quote “experience always wins against innocents” it’s just so good at feeding your mind. i really wish i had read Camille Paglia when i was back in school, i wish they had taught us this book in school.
take a bow Camille Paglia, take a bow.
*applauds*

9 people found this helpful

Corner Stone work

A great book and author.
It would be great if the narrator knew how to pronounce the more complex and ancient terms Paglia regularly uses. It is obvious whoever recorded this did not know anything about the material.

7 people found this helpful

Very interesting literary thematic criticism

A great amount of Paglia's personal and presumably internally consistent interpretations of the artists in historical poetry and literature. Especially as that art could be relayed as sexuality, or expressions of "Sexual personae".

4 people found this helpful

Best book of the 21st century.

Paglia is one of the greatest minds of the century, and this book has never been more relevant.

2 people found this helpful

a tad repetitive, but very thorough

Paglia's scholarship and analysis is apparent to any reader. She is much more aggressive and personal in her tone than most, but it makes the book significantly less dry and more fun to read.

1 person found this helpful

Cool concept - too long

The opening chapter is fascinating and must read. The rest is only useful if you need proof of the claims made in the opening.

1 person found this helpful

Amazing beginnings, a bit exhausting

This is one of the best works of literary criticism that I’ve ever encountered. Particularly the first five chapters. Paglia hammers her point home, but it eventually becomes predictable. Once she’s taught you to see through her lens, it becomes hard not to do so.

That said, wow!

thanks for your work camille!

interesting words from one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century. only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is I was expecting a philosophy book masquerading as erotic art history and actually it's mostly erotic art history. still amazing and insightful, just maybe don't get this if you are expecting one of paglia's lectures primarily on western culture, bc (as the title perhaps might suggest) this book is basically about sex :). however would recommend first few chapters to anyone, her thoughts there are far reaching on not primarily focused on literary criticism. I also personally really enjoyed the part on Wilde. happy reading all-

Necessary Reading

Mind expanding, a golden stitch work to become wrapped in! The authors accomplishments in this book are inspired and inspiring.

Paglia’s magnum opus casts an Apollonian eye on the Western Canon

The firebrand feminist critic brings her cleverly incisive and rollickingly refreshing look at the Western canon. She shows a granular knowledge of cultural archetypes and employs a justified boldness to challenge conventional criticism. One may disagree with facets of her critique or certain conclusions, but they nevertheless make for an interesting listen and encourage a deeper look and appreciation for the West’s cultural patrimony.