Absolute Classics

Germaine Greer

What genres and kinds of writing does Germaine Greer produce?

Greer writes mainly non-fiction: feminist theory and cultural criticism, biography, memoir, and essay collections. Her background is academic and journalistic, and she addresses literature, art and social issues.

Which of Germaine Greer’s books are most notable?

Her breakthrough is The Female Eunuch (1970). Other widely known works include The Whole Woman (1999), The Change: Women, Ageing and the Menopause (1991), Sex and Destiny: The Politics of Human Fertility (1984), and Shakespeare's Wife (2007).

Where should a new reader start with her work?

For her landmark feminist argument start with The Female Eunuch. For later critique and development of her ideas read The Whole Woman. If you prefer memoir, begin with The Blaze of Obscurity and continue through her Unreliable Memoirs series.

Are any of her books part of a series or have a recommended reading order?

Her Unreliable Memoirs are a multi-volume memoir sequence. A sensible reading order follows the volumes: The Blaze of Obscurity (first), Falling Towards England (volume II), May Week Was in June (volume III), and North Face of Soho (volume IV).

What themes recur across Greer’s work?

Recurring themes include feminist politics, female sexuality and bodily autonomy, ageing and menopause, cultural and literary criticism, and biographical studies of historical figures.