Germaine Greer is an Australian writer and public intellectual known for her contributions to the second-wave feminist movement. Born in Melbourne, Greer studied English literature and became a leading voice in feminist thought. Her book, "The Female Eunuch," published in 1970, challenged societal norms around gender and sexuality, making her a household name and a central figure in the feminist movement.
Throughout her career, Greer has held academic positions at the University of Warwick, Newnham College, Cambridge, and the University of Tulsa. She has authored over 20 books, including "Sex and Destiny" (1984), "The Change" (1991), "The Whole Woman" (1999), and "The Boy" (2003), covering topics such as literature, feminism, and environmental issues.
Greer's ideas have sparked controversy and debate, particularly regarding her views on women's liberation versus equality. She advocates for women to define their own values and resist societal expectations. Her personal life has also been marked by significant events, such as her arrest in New Zealand for using profane language during a speech and her affair with the novelist Martin Amis.
Elizabeth Kleinhenz's "Germaine: The Life of Germaine Greer" provides a comprehensive look at Greer's life and work, drawing on the Germaine Greer Archive, which Greer sold to the University of Melbourne in 2013. At nearly 80 years old, Greer remains a prominent figure in feminist discourse and continues to influence generations of thinkers and activists.
