[1] Written in the style of a sarcastic and irreverent guidebook, it explains how women are prevented from producing written works, not given credit when such works are produced, or dismissed or belittled for those contributions which they are acknowledged to have made.

Although primarily focusing on texts written in English, the author also includes examples from non-English works and other media, like paintings.

Citing authors and critics like Suzy McKee Charnas, Margaret Cavendish, and Vonda McIntyre,[1] Russ aims to describe the systematic social forces that impede widespread recognition of the work of female authors.

The book outlines eleven common methods that are used to ignore, condemn or belittle the work of female authors: Feminist and civil rights scholars generally received the book positively.

[5][6] It is highly regarded for its cutting humor and wit, as well as its disarming and novel presentation of sexism in the arenas of art and writing.