This 1963 book launched the second wave of feminism, taking apart the myth of the postwar happy housewife that had been proliferated by the mass media.

The Feminine Mystique, Betty Friedan

The part-memoir, part-tirade against 'The Man' presents a modern outlook on feminism, repackaging it to remove the stigma attached to the f word.

How To Be A Woman, Caitlin Moran

Based on a viral 2012 TED talk of the same name, this treatise on what it means to be a feminist sparked a global conversation. Its cultural impact (including a sample in Beyoncé’s hit single ***Flawless) helped bring feminism into the mainstream.

We Should All Be Feminists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Picking up on the same Reaganite conservatism that cause Margaret Atwood's ire, this 1987 book talks about the ways in which women were being lashed out at following the 70's second wave of feminism

Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, Susan Faludi

The Guerrilla Girls' 2003 book describes and challenges the stereotypical representations of women in the media.

Bitches, Bimbos and Ballbreakers: The Guerilla Girls' Illustrated Guide to Female Stereotypes

This book reminds us that a truly intersectional feminism must also campaign for poor women, immigrants and women of colour.

Against White Feminism, Rafia Zakaria

A selection of poetry providing a hopeful look at racism, sexism, eroticism and lesbianism.

Sister Outsider, Audre Lorne

Is sex work feminist? It’s not the one we should be asking, according to authors and sex workers who detail how the law harms sex workers – and how we can support sex workers’ rights.

Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers’ Rights, Juno Mac and Molly Smith

Feminism's history is more complex and diverse that we give it credit, and this book illuminates how we can learn from the movement's rich past.

Feminisms: A Global History, Lucy Delap

The nuclear family structure puts huge pressure on couples – primarily women – to juggle their jobs and caring responsibilities. This book traces different communities throughout history, offering potential alternatives to the traditional family home.

Everyday Utopia, Kristen Ghodsee