In his philosophical nonfiction The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (1998), Dr. Leonard Shlain proposes that the alphabet changed how human brains function, influencing societal evolution, gender roles, and conventional thinking. By comparing ancient and modern societies, Shlain suggests that written language has contributed to patriarchal structures and advocates for a balance between verbal and visual modes of communication. The book discusses gender roles and societal conventions related to masculinity and femininity.

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Contemplative

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Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

2,912 ratings

81%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

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Review Roundup

Leonard Shlain's The Alphabet Versus the Goddess captivates with its innovative thesis linking the rise of literacy to the suppression of the feminine. Critics praise its interdisciplinary approach and thought-provoking arguments, though some find it speculative and lacking empirical rigor. The blend of history, neuroscience, and sociology offers a unique but contentious perspective.

Who Should Read The Alphabet Versus the Goddess?

A reader who enjoys The Alphabet Versus the Goddess by Leonard Shlain would likely be intrigued by interdisciplinary studies blending history, psychology, and gender studies. They may also appreciate works like Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell for their deep dives into cultural evolution and the human psyche.