Although feminism as a political movement came about in 19th-century Europe, feminist ideas have implicitly or explicitly been expressed throughout the world since Antiquity, against dominant misogynistic discourses and customs.

Alternating profiles, stories, and analysis, Séverine Auffret traces the evolution of feminist ideas from their first appearances through more contemporary issues in this lively and unprecedented tome. Readers will meet Amazons, Simone de Beauvoir, Sappho, and Diderot, and be transported from ancient Egypt to the Pre-Columbian Americas. A philosopher and editor of 17th-century philosopher Gabrielle Suchon's œuvre, Séverine Auffret teaches a seminar in feminist studies at the People's University of Caen.