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The Second Sex

By: Simone de Beauvoir, Constance Borde, Sheila Malovany-Chevallier
Narrated by: Ellen Archer, Judith Thurman
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Publisher's summary

Unabridged and available on audio for the first time

Simone de Beauvoir’s essential masterwork is a powerful analysis of the Western notion of "woman", and a revolutionary exploration of inequality and otherness. This unabridged edition of the text reinstates significant portions of the original French text that were cut in the first English translation, and is now available on audio for the very first time. Vital and groundbreaking, Beauvoir’s pioneering and impressive text remains as pertinent today as when it was first published, and will continue to provoke and inspire generations of men and women to come.

©2014 Simone De Beauvoir, Constance Borde, Sheila Malovany-Chevallier (P)2019 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

"[A] masterpiece.... Restores essential passages that have been missing for 60 years." (The Times)

"Groundbreaking.... A fresh, much expanded, more intelligible book which repays re-reading by adherents of the old version, and cries out for attention from young women who have not been exposed to this most powerful of feminist thinkers. The Second Sex [is] the foundation text of second-wave feminism. It is probably the most important and influential philosophical treatise of the 20th century." (The Irish Times)

"The Second Sex is an inquiry into a subject with profound implications for the entire human race, and its ideas are as fresh and inspiring as they were when [Beauvoir] began work.... Now Beauvoir’s great work is available in a full English translation for the first time.... It is a fine piece of work, a lucid translation." (The Independent)

Featured Article: 50+ Outstanding Feminist Quotes to Inspire and Empower


From the suffragettes of the 18th and 19th centuries to the #MeToo activists and glass-ceiling breakers still fighting for equality today, the feminist movement has evolved around the world for hundreds of years. Feminism that is intersectional and inclusive is more important than ever, with activists amplifying the voices of women whose struggles are compounded further by their race, identity, and class. Learn about gender equality with these quotes.

What listeners say about The Second Sex

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Amazing

Enlightening experience, a must listen for both sexes. Great to question our own standing in the world.

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4 people found this helpful

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Progress in Process

Though there has been progress made since the writing of this great book, there is so much more still to do.

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Work of Art

Absolutely incredible book. Worthwhile investment of time. Brilliant, nuanced, deep. Truly work of art. Bravo!

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6 people found this helpful

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Guy told me it was dumb. So here I am, enjoying...

Having my mind blown with still 30 hours to go. I'm not likely to agree with everything, cause I almost never do, but find plenty fascinating and end up going down other rabbit holes as a result of matters mentioned. Most audio books I listen to while falling asleep, but this one I only listen to while wide awake incase I want to research a topic.

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Great book, performance lacking

Seminal work on feminism, doesn't shy away from any topic. In love with Simone for her intelligence and forthrightness. But the reader was too perky and her French accent was not very good.

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7 people found this helpful

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a must read for everyone

I truly loved this book! I truly shook me to my core. there were a lot of points in t his book that I will never forget!

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Important read

I'm so glad that this is on Audible! I've wanted to read this for years and it was as thought-provoking as I thought it was going to be.

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Awesome

This book is unbelievable..! It is a masterpiece of sexuality and human truth..! We are so fortunate to have this work..!

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Impossible to fully review

It would be impossible to touch on every idea or turn of phrase that touched me. This text should be required reading for everyone. Read it in full - you will not regret it!

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Brilliant

It isn’t just Feminist text, but Theory of Woman. Simone basically invented modern woman. Magnifique!

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