On Strike Against God
Brooklyn: Out & Out Books, 1980. 1st Edition. Octavo, publisher's stiff photo-illustrated wraps.
First edition of radical feminist author and academic Joanna Russ’s final novel. A "coming out" lesbian romance, the story is narrated by Esther, an aging, divorced academic who develops passionate feelings for her previously platonic friend Jean. An acute political analysis of compulsory heterosexuality and gender roles, the book’s title refers to the New York shirtwaist strike of 1909, the largest strike by women to date in US history. Notably, prolific sci-fi novelist Samuel Delany considers On Strike Against God to be Russ's best work (Russ herself wrote sci-fi, including possibly her best known work, The Female Man). Published by Brooklyn-based imprint Out & Out Books, established by lesbian writers Joan Larkin, Irena Klepfis, and Jan Clawson to issue short pamphlets and anthologies by lesbian feminist authors. Light rubbing and soiling. Near fine. Item #7266
$50.00