A modern feminist classic (Rachel Cooke Observer)With clearsightedness and wry humour, this self-described 'gobby woman' proves public speech is no longer the preserve of maleness. More power to her. (Laura Garmeson FT)... exposes the roots of today's expectations of how a woman should behave ... time for a change, she argues - and now! (Jenni Murray Guardian)This book is a treasure, both as a fascinating read in itself and as a fine work of reference to correct our lazy misconceptions about an ancient world that still has much to instruct us today (Herald)An urgent feminist cri de coeur, spot-on in its utterly reasonable plea that a woman 'who dares to open her mouth in public' actually be given a hearing. (Kirkus Reviews)Brilliant (Jacqueline Rose Guardian)Enlightening ... explains how misogyny works and why it is so resilient (Elif Shafak Guardian)A sparkling and forceful manifesto (New York Times)Clear, rich, subversive and witty (San Francisco Chronicle)An irresistible call for women to speak up, act and redefine their power (People Magazine)

Britain's best-known classicist Mary Beard, is also a committed and vocal feminist. With wry wit, she revisits the gender agenda and shows how history has treated powerful women. Her examples range from the classical world to the modern day, from Medusa and Athena to Theresa May and Hillary Clinton. Beard explores the cultural underpinnings of misogyny, considering the public voice of women, our cultural assumptions about women's relationship with power, and how powerful women resist being packaged into a male template.

A year on since the advent of #metoo, Beard looks at how the discussions have moved on during this time, and how that intersects with issues of rape and consent, and the stories men tell themselves to support their actions. In trademark Beardian style, using examples ancient and modern, Beard argues, 'it's time for change - and now!'

From the author of international bestseller SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome.