Great Jones - Shop now
Buy new:
-10% $16.18
FREE delivery Tuesday, April 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: CE_BOOKHOUSE
$16.18 with 10 percent savings
List Price: $18.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, April 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Saturday, March 29. Order within 2 hrs 25 mins.
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
$$16.18 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.18
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$8.58
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, April 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Sunday, March 30. Order within 2 hrs 25 mins.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$16.18 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.18
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Susan Brownmiller
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape Paperback – May 11, 1993

by Susan Brownmiller (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 146 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$16.18","priceAmount":16.18,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"18","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"czB%2B3xgbHLFxsfV6AqsNzr4XqGxm%2BAobWw3W8MsbGDbVaukp1XYlWXLZrinfa3%2FzKfToNPk2KBNAkhPAJod3ElUsD8h%2B7dnlRGAuIBxJBCXetQln0%2BAFh0iMcQDMyikfkfw71K79GzgHqQwmyPgLyWOal%2BxFlQT79qgEKWlORMFeqDOC9oKjRw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.58","priceAmount":8.58,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"58","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"czB%2B3xgbHLFxsfV6AqsNzr4XqGxm%2BAob80O9C9KggEPfgMY99l4%2B1nfDLmAjiGom%2BBdMWc5moEWzNqrAGKvQ8%2FiGC2wPQTHa3eomTDUVOzMuliLgV93qELWBeDKjssuXtfS5l7N9DhfP1cQiaMzvHBC6f8%2BHaYjpirSOS0nYneDtvQSszykHE6IuVDwK%2BH6v","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The bestselling feminist classic that revolutionized the way we think about rape, as a historical phenomenon and as an urgent crisis—essential reading in the era of #MeToo.
 
“A major work of history.”—The Village Voice • One of the New York Public Library’s 100 Books of the Century

As powerful and timely now as when it was first published, Against Our Will stands as a unique document of the history, politics, and sociology of rape and the inherent and ingrained inequality of men and women under the law. Fact by fact, Susan Brownmiller pulls back the centuries of damaging lies and misrepresentations to reveal how rape has been accepted in all societies and how it continues to profoundly affect women’s lives today.
 
A keen and prescient analyst, a detailed historian, Susan Brownmiller discusses the consequences of rape in biblical times, rape as an accepted spoil of war, as well as child molestation, marital rape, and date rape (a term that she coined). In lucid, persuasive prose, Brownmiller uses her experience as a journalist to create a definitive, devastating work of lasting social importance.
 
Praise for Against Our Will

“The most comprehensive study of rape ever offered to the public . . . It forces readers to take a fresh look at their own attitudes toward this devastating crime.”—Newsweek

“A classic . . . No one who reads it will come away untouched.”—The Village Voice 

“Chilling and monumental . . . Deserves a place next to those rare books which force us to change the way we feel about what we know.”—The New York Times Book Review

“A landmark work, one of the most significant books to emerge in this decade.”—Houston Chronicle 

“A definitive text, startling, compelling, and a landmark.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“An overwhelming indictment. We need it, it is a hideous revelation and it should be required reading.”—Los Angeles Times Book Review

“Chilling, monumental, exhaustive, detailed, absorbing and original. . . . Brownmiller’s greatest contribution is establishing the continuity between rape and other facets of American culture.”—Commonweal
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    480 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Ballantine Books
  4. Publication date
    May 11, 1993
  5. Dimensions
    5.49 x 1.01 x 8.24 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0449908208
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0449908204
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape
This item: Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape
$16.18
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 1
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by CE_BOOKHOUSE and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
I Never Called It Rape - Updated Edition: The Ms. Report on Recognizing, Fighting, and Surviving Date and Acquaintance Rape
$12.79
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 1
Only 19 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Transforming a Rape Culture
$15.54
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 1
Only 10 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A major work of history, a classic . . . No one who reads it will come away untouched.”—The Village Voice
 
“The most comprehensive study of rape ever offered to the public . . . It forces readers to take a fresh look at their own attitudes toward this devastating crime.”—Newsweek 

“Chilling and monumental . . . Deserves a place next to those rare books which force us to change the way we feel about what we know.”—The New York Times Book Review
 
“This is a radical book in the truest sense of the word, a book certain to change the way we think, not just about the act of rape, but more fundamentally, about the relationships between men and women. . . . Brilliantly and convincingly argued . . . Against Our Will is thoroughly researched, carefully documented and lucidly written, a work of stunning originality which goes far beyond the statistics of rape to challenge some of society’s most accepted assumptions. . . . A landmark work, one of the most significant books to emerge in this decade.”—Houston Chronicle
 
“A definitive text, startling, compelling, and a landmark. . . . Brownmiller deserved much credit for being able to avoid radical rhetoric and sticking to excellent reporting in the face of such explosive findings . . . Against Our Will is a monumental work and a thoroughly chilling eye opener. It forced me to rethink my entire position as a woman and, in the process, it made me extremely uncomfortable—as it should.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
“An overwhelming indictment. We need it, it is a hideous revelation and it should be required reading.”—Los Angeles Times Book Review
 
“Chilling, monumental, exhaustive, detailed, absorbing and original. . . . Brownmiller’s greatest contribution is establishing the continuity between rape and other facets of American culture.”—Commonweal

From the Inside Flap

st comrpehensive study of rape ever offered to the public...It forces readers to take a fresh look at their own attitudes toward this devastating crime."
NEWSWEEK
As powerful and timely now as when it was first published, AGAINST OUR WILL stands as a unique document of the history of politics, the sociology of rape and the inherent and ingrained inequality of men and women under the law. In lucid, persuasive prose, Brownmiller has created a definitive, devastating work of lasting social importance.
Chosen by THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW as
One of the Outstanding Books of the Year

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books; Reprinted edition (May 11, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0449908208
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0449908204
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.49 x 1.01 x 8.24 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 146 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Susan Brownmiller

Susan Brownmiller

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
146 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book objective, well-researched, and comprehensive. They consider it a good read for both men and women, and a classic that is still relevant today.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Reading qualityReading requirementRelevanceReadability
8 customers mention "Reading quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book objective, well-researched, and comprehensive. They find it interesting and relevant today. The thoughtful discussion about the intersection of rape and violence is thought-provoking. The book explains in factual detail the history of laws, customs, and violence. It's a must-have for researchers in the field.

"...It explains, in factual detail, the history of laws, customs and conventions that have been created to restrain and control women - efforts which..." Read more

"...The long, thoughtful discussion about the intersection of rape and violence against blacks may be controversial for some, but shouldn’t be if read..." Read more

"What an eye-opening, stomach-turning behavioral opus!..." Read more

"...This is a must have for researchers in the field. I recommend this book and the seller. Great. 5 stars." Read more

4 customers mention "Reading requirement"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and important for women. They say it's a good read for both men and women, and an important and relevant book for girls.

"...It is an important and informativ book for women" Read more

"This is actually a good book for both men and women to read...." Read more

"Still relevant, and should be required reading for every adolescent girl." Read more

"Required reading for women..." Read more

4 customers mention "Relevance"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relevant today. They describe it as timeless and a classic that should be required reading for young girls.

"...This is a timeless, stunning work that should be required reading for every person who has any authority over others." Read more

"Still relevant 43 years later." Read more

"Still relevant, and should be required reading for every adolescent girl." Read more

"A classic and just as relevant today..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and say it's good.

"This is a good book. Even though it is old, it brings information about rapists and rape to the reader...." Read more

"...it's also good to read because it shows ignorant men(as well as women) can be of a woman's outlook on life and herself...." Read more

"This is a great book if you are studying Sexual Assaults with male as well as females...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Susan Hayward
    5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for women
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Rape has a long history in the world, in all civilizations. This book has been making me angry for 30 years - with reason. It explains, in factual detail, the history of laws, customs and conventions that have been created to restrain and control women - efforts which are ongoing now, and are described in the news every day. Example: some of the earliest laws against rape were essentially property laws, intended to protect male ownership. Ms. Brownmiller explains clearly how this has come about, suggesting why women's rights are seen as threatening . It's not an easy read, but an important one.
    17 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • T. McNamara
    5.0 out of 5 stars What Brownmiller really said . . .
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2000
    Verified Purchase
    I was at this site to buy a new copy of this - one of my fave books and found all this about Susan Brownmiller and Pres. Clinton in the reviews so I figured I'd find out what was really said by Ms. Brownmiller in the now infamous article: "Now, I part company with someone like -- who is that right-wing woman on MSNBC? Laura Ingraham -- who is saying, "Monster rapist in the White House!" If you read "Against Our Will," you know I don't call men monsters for raping. I think Bill Clinton at that time was probably unaware that he was being anything more than assertive."
    "We're in a period where there is no forward motion in feminism, no desire on the part of people to organize for social change, so people are saying, "Yes, but he appointed some women, he did this." And I keep saying, "Hey, wait a minute. This is the movement's job. You're not supposed to be grateful to the president. "
    "But I'll tell you, this whole thing over the last two years has been such a circus, it's hard to view this story as any different from any of the others. A lot of people want to move on..."
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Maria
    4.0 out of 5 stars exhausting 1975 book seems like such common sense today that it is easy to ...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Much of what is said in this long, exhausting 1975 book seems like such common sense today that it is easy to forget how radical it was in its time. The extra degree of stridency of many of her points, rhetorically necessary then to break through the myths about rape, now sounds sometimes dated. But it is wrong to hold this against the book just because intense first-generation feminism is now out of fashion. Most of the improvements in societal attitudes and law enforcement concerning rape accrued since the 70’s we owe to this manifesto and the momentum it created.
    A very long string of chapters is devoted to review of rape in many key historical eras, particularly in war and U.S. slavery. It’s a seemingly endless, painful slog through repetitious detail, with numerous first-hand accounts of victims, each unique yet all nearly identical. The cumulative impact is to prove like nothing else can the consistent patterns of rape as an exercise of domination throughout human history. Chapters reviewing rape in disparate contemporary settings (by police, in prison, U.S. crime statistics) as well as throughout various mythlogies, make the ubiquity of the pattern almost overwhelming.
    The long, thoughtful discussion about the intersection of rape and violence against blacks may be controversial for some, but shouldn’t be if read objectively. She makes the point that the male mind-set of women being tools whose bodies are for mens’ use is so entrenched in all of society that some black liberation leaders of her time, like Eldredge Cleaver, fought back against white oppression by vowing to rape as many white women as possible. This has led some to criticize Brownmiller for placing female liberation above black liberation, but this is manifestly unfair. Pointing out that Cleaver and his ilk planned on “practicing” first on black women, she is highlighting that all women suffer from rape’s oppression, and emphasizing that black women get a double whammy. (Cleaver later recanted this strategy.)
    The final section discusses her prescriptions for fixing the problem. The best recommendations, changing what are acceptable attitudes for men and police and a fairness overhaul of the legal treatment of rape, are pretty much what have been applied over the intervening decades, though not completely enough; to me this history just underscores the importance of this work. Her cursory recommendation that women bone up on self-defense, on the other hand, sadly seems to have been translated into arming all crime victims with more guns, if heeded at all.
    22 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Daniel D Sullivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars How Men Hate Women and Why
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    What an eye-opening, stomach-turning behavioral opus! I will never again look at violence against women or read right-wing political rhetoric without framing it using the powerful facts Brownmiller uses to explain the use of sex as both hammer against anvil and velvet glove. This is not a summer-read through which one should breeze, even if that were possible with any person with a social conscience. This is a timeless, stunning work that should be required reading for every person who has any authority over others.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • CaH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five stars
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Susan Brownmiller is a go to for scholars of GBV and genocide. I have read the works of scholars in the field and inevitably this book is mentioned. This is a must have for researchers in the field. I recommend this book and the seller. Great. 5 stars.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Saumika Mulluri
    5.0 out of 5 stars A classic
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Dated, but still a classic.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A classic and just as relevant today
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Learn the history behind our Western world rape culture; Everyone should read it! I reread after more than 30 years and find it totally apropo​s today.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • BK
    4.0 out of 5 stars The best and most comprehensive social commentary...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was written over forty years ago and is astoundingly objective and a strident plea for actional objectives to be addressed concerning approximately one half of the global population!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • SPT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Harrowing, Detailed and A Persuasive Call For Change
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is an outstanding piece of work that is carefully researched, thought provoking and harrowing. Brownmiller meticulously documents the prevalence of rape throughout history, and the patriarchal efforts to deny and conceal it, while remaining critically analytical and even handed. As a man, there were many times when I wanted to take a break from the relentless accounts of sexual violence but persevered when reminded by the author that what might be shocking for some men is the lived experience of many women since the dawn of time. Doubtless like many other men I view myself as someone incapable of rape but Brownmiller highlights how all men share a responsibility for changing a culture that eroticises objectification and violence. The price paid by women is to live in a state of constant terror. Perhaps it is not true that all men are capable of rape, although her research suggests that, at the very least, most are capable of collusion. However, it remains the case that every man can legitimately be viewed as a potential rapist by women until all men accept responsibility for bringing about a massive cultural shift. For anyone sceptical of her claims, there is an easy piece of verification. Against Our Will was published in 1975, the same year as Peter Sutcliffe began his murder spree. A recent Netflix documentary The Yorkshire Ripper outlines the police investigation of Sutcliffe and demonstrates the many failings that arose from a lack of concern and understanding of sex crime, leading to women unnecessarily living in fear for years. 45 years later we still have a long way to go. An when I say we, I mean all men.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must for understanding gender equality
    Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A book everyone interested in gender equality and the progression of feminist thought
    Report
  • Angel S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    As Shown
    Report
  • Colleensbiz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous. Important
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Everyone should read this book. It should be on the GCSE syllabus. It should have succeeded by now. Read it.
    Report
  • TRC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful and eye-opening
    Reviewed in Germany on February 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I came upon this book during some research about toxic masculinity and ended up using some of it. It is well used in any papers you may write about this topic.
    Report