logo

63 pages 2 hours read

The Secret History of Wonder Woman

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2014

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jill Lepore

The Secret History of Wonder Woman

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 20th century

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore explores the origins of the iconic superhero Wonder Woman through the unconventional life of her creator, William Marston, his wife Elizabeth Holloway, and their partner Olive Byrne. The book examines Marston's work in psychology, his involvement in the women's rights movement, and how these elements influenced Wonder Woman's creation and themes, reflecting key issues of feminism, truth, and societal norms. The narrative delves into Marston's lie detection work, the family's unique living arrangements, and the cultural impact of the Wonder Woman comic series.

Informative

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

17,862 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jill Lepore's The Secret History of Wonder Woman delves into the origins and cultural impact of the iconic superhero. Reviewers commend Lepore's meticulous research and engaging prose, which illuminate the fascinating connections between Wonder Woman's creator, feminist movements, and early 20th-century politics. However, some critics find the narrative occasionally meandering and dense with historical details. Overall, the book is praised for its insightful and thorough exploration of a pop culture icon.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret History of Wonder Woman?

Readers who enjoy The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore are likely fans of detailed biographical histories and superheroes. They may also appreciate books like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, which blend personal stories with larger cultural and scientific narratives.

4.0

17,862 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 20th century

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.