Misogynies is one of the most celebrated feminist texts by a British author. First published in 1989, it created shock waves with its analyses of history, literature and popular culture. Joan Smith drew on her own experience as one of the few women reporting the Yorkshire Ripper murders and looked at novels, slasher movies, Page Three and Princess Diana, teasing out the attitudes that brought them together. A feminist classic, Smith's exploration of fear and hatred of women resonates to th...

Women have never had more freedom yet questions of inequality persist from the bedroom to the workplace. A quarter of a century after the publication of her seminal text Misogynies, Joan Smith looks at what women have achieved - and the price they've paid for it. From Amy Winehouse to Pussy Riot, from the veil to domestic violence, a war is being fought over women's bodies and minds. Smith shows how misogyny has assumed new and dangerous forms as we confront an economic, social and religio...

When Prince George was just eight weeks old, the Evening Standard declared him to be 'the most influential person in London'. He couldn't even walk, let alone talk. Yet one day he could become head of state, whether we like it or not. Joan Smith argues that it has become nearly impossible to question the existence of the monarchy. Articulate republicans are drowned out while the supercharged PR and media machines ask only who designed Kate's dresses. Smith topples the arguments for having ...

Tich was a South African sports star who lost it all to alcohol. Joan had recently lost her husband. Their lives were at rock bottom when grace showed up and inspired these two middle class South Africans to move past the racial prejudices of the Apartheid era and launch a ministry together.The result was Lungisisa Indlela village (LIV), the legendary residential facility that rescues children, restores lives, and raises young leaders in South Africa. This is the story of transform...

For decades, the story of Rome's civil wars has been told through the deeds of a handful of extraordinary men. Caesar crossing the Rubicon. Pompey fleeing to Egypt. Antony dying in Cleopatra's arms after a botched suicide. But this is only half the story – and not even the most interesting half.In Uncivil, Joan Smith restores to their rightful place the women who lived through one of the most catastrophic periods in ancient history. They are a remarkable c...

'Pacy, witty and authoritative' Jonathan Freedland'In her hands, ancient history becomes a vivid avenue of approach to a burning modern-world concern… a powerful and important book' Daily TelegraphA superb and illuminating history of Imperial Rome's most important women – dispelling the myths and misogyny that have distorted their reputations for over 2000 years.Writer, activist and journalist Joan Smith ha...

"Nuanced, richly atmospheric, and exquisitely written." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)This shimmering middle-grade debut set in 1850s Lancashire, England, explores longing, belonging, and the courage it takes to find your place—and bloom.The night that workhouse orphan Scilla Brown dares to climb the Earl of Havermore’s garden wall, she wants only to steal a peach—the best thing she’s ever tasted in her hard, hungry life. But whe...

When a woman's decomposed body is found in the aging barn of Oxford don Bridget Bennett's estate, Loretta knows her friend Bridget's shock is genuine. Unfortunately, the local constabulary are not so sure. And the tabloid press has a field day.But when the police try to identify the dead woman and any possible connection to Bridget and her devoted husband, only Bridget seems alarmed at what might surface. Loretta tries to piece the puzzle together herself-with little success. Until...

Loretta Lawson is not overjoyed when an old acquaintance, Sandra, turns up knocking on Loretta's doorstep on Christmas Eve. After a week of wrecking havock on Loretta's content, quiet life, Sandra suddenly disappears.Loretta's relief turns to suspicion when she finds out that Sandra died in a mysterious car crash. As Loretta investigates further, she finds herself dragged into Sandra's messy life and death.The BBC adaptation of Don't Leave Me This Way stars Imelda ...

Loretta Lawson is already a little apprehensive about spending a hot, muggy weekend alone in New York City at her friend Toni's apartment. And it seems her fears are confirmed when she receives a series of mysterious and threatening phone calls. What's more, as she explores the exciting, unfamiliar city, she has the uneasy impression that someone is watching her, perhaps even following her. Is Loretta the target of these unnerving attentions or are they aimed at Toni?Loretta begins...

Sara Wood had not been heartbroken when her fiancé disappeared six years ago, though no one would have guessed it. And she wasnt delighted when Peter showed up again—as a widower with two young sons and his vulgar sister-in-law. Peters brother, Lord Haldiman, insisted that his brother do the right thing this time. But both Sara and Haldiman had moved on and seen new possibilities… Regency Romance by Joan Smith; originally published by Fawcett Crest

Loretta Lawson, a feminist professor visiting Paris to deliver a paper on the oppressive nature of masculine grammatical forms, stumbles across the murder of an Oxford don.But when the body disappears, she returns to England without alerting the French police, but is resolved to solve the mystery from across the Channel.The BBC adaptation of A Masculine Ending, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, premiered in 1992.'I love Loretta' - P.D. James'Ms. Smith...