The Shrinking Goddess : Power, Myth and the Female Body by Mineke Schipper

For centuries, wild and strange stories have been told about the female body. Some empowering, many absurd, these myths have not only endured but continue to shape perceptions of women today. The Shrinking Goddess explores this legacy, gathering global tales about the female form and revealing how and why generations of men have sought to interpret, control and ‘tame’ women.

Mineke Schipper investigates the disappearance of the original creation figure, Mother Earth, from mainstream culture, and how women’s bodies have been imagined ever since: from the demon daughter of New Mexico with a toothed vagina, to the Japanese supermarkets and European festivals offering ‘breast puddings’ as delicacies. Drawing on an extraordinary archive of art, literature and folklore, Schipper reclaims the female body as a place of power, creativity and possibility.

Format:Paperback / softback 336 pages, 100 b&w illustrations; 100 Illustrations
Publisher:Saqi Books
Imprint:The Westbourne Press
ISBN:9781908906663
Published:19 Feb 2026
Classifications:Social & cultural history, Cultural studies, Feminism & feminist theory, Folklore, myths & legends, Sociology: customs & traditions
Weight:258g
Dimensions:197 x 129 x 25 (mm)