Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years

One of American Scientist’s “100 Books that Shaped a Century of Science”

"A fascinating history of…[a craft] that preceded and made possible civilization itself." ―New York Times Book Review

The 30th-anniversary edition of a historical account, called “brilliantly original” by Katha Pollitt (Washington Post Book World), that reframed our understanding of women’s lives in early societies.

Twenty thousand years ago, women were making and wearing clothing created from spun fibers. In Women’s Work, archaeologist-linguist Elizabeth Wayland Barber “weaves the strands of mythology and literature, ethnology and documented history into a rich tapestry” (John Noble Wilford, New York Times Book Review), illuminating the vital role women held in pre-industrial societies. With a distinctive and innovative approach to ancient remains, Barber examines ancient textiles from Stone Age string skirts and ancient Egyptian sleeved tunics to intricate Neolithic Swiss linens and colorfully patterned Minoan dresses, offering us captivating glimpses into the daily lives of women through the cloth they made and wore.

71 illustrations, 5 maps

Paperback, 384 Pages