The article you are about to click through is a work of fact and opinion. Or perhaps, opinion and fact. Regardless, it represents an introductory taste of over one thousand encyclopedic entries on everything from abortion rights and Judy Blume to the problematic elitism of Vogue and euphemisms for the word “vagina,” all collected into the new Book of Jezebel. You will also find: a pathological obsession with pop culture characters, bodily functions and political heroines. Mockery of Scott Baio. Pro-choice, feminist politics. Caterwauling about the patriarchy.
You might be thinking: okay, but why? The answer is pretty straightforward: because we thought it might be fun to collect our various observations, fascinations, annoyances, and inspirations into one easy-to-use attractive volume. Because signing on to a book project of this scope always sounds a lot easier in theory than it is in reality. But most importantly, because we love and are in awe of our readers’ diversity, intellect and exuberance.
Enjoy.
Excerpted from The Book of Jezebel, edited by Anna Holmes, Kate Harding and Amanda Hess, copyright 2013 by Gawker Media LLC, reprinted by permission of Grand Central Publishing, all rights reserved.