Left: Anarchy and the Sex Question: Essays on Women and Emancipation, 1896-1926 by Emma Goldman (PM Press). Right: The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future by Riane Eisler (HarperCollins)

There are times when I read nearly a dozen books at one time. Recently, after a long pause from reading profusely, I decided to stock up on several books I wanted to delve into, reading many of them for a few chapters at a time, then moving on to another. I would sit and do this for three to four hours at a time. I have been this way since I can remember. This is not a declaration to incite others to become impressed or even inspired. It’s just what I tend to do.

But there are two books that have stood out for me amidst the myriad of classics, new and contemporary releases, poetry books and informative non-fiction manuscripts I’ve been reading: Anarchy and the Sex Question: Essays on Women and Emancipation, 1896-1926 by Emma Goldman and The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future by Riane Eisler. While reading them back to back, I realized the books compliment each other very well they exhibit starkly realistic examinations of the history of women (Emma was living the history while she was writing her essays), and a genuine concern for the well-being of women’s lives – anthropologically, socially, politically, sexually and psychologically.

They seem to flow together for me and I want to share my observation for anyone who, not just women and female identified intellectuals, but anyone who wants to learn more about the ascent of patriarchy and how it affects women’s experiences; existentially, tangibly and in several other different ways. I’d like to express that I believe these books will be satisfying.

You can find inexpensive used versions of both books. Anarchy and the Sex Question was published in 2016 as a pocket sized book by the independent publisher, PM Press. The book is sold new for 14.95 USD and can be found used for as little as 6 USD at any independent bookstore that carries Marxist, leftist and anarchist literature. The Chalice and the Blade’s first paperback edition was published by HarperCollins in 1988 and has since been published in 26 foreign editions. It was originally sold for 14 USD and can be found used for as little as 4 USD online or in independent bookstores that sell historical and vintage political science books. Both books are usually filed in the Political Science sections of bookstores.

In conclusion, these books aren’t hard to find, nor are they expensive by any means. I humbly suggest you read these books in unison and learn all you can about the history of women and the brilliant authors who shared their thoughts, research and empathy for the advancement of equality of women and humankind.