The second sex

Introduction / Judith Thurman

Translators' note

Volume 1: Facts And Myths

Introduction

Part 1: Destiny. Biological data

The psychoanalytic point of view

The point of view of historical materialism

Part 2: History

Part 3: Myths. Montherlant or the bread of disgust

D.H. Lawrence or phallic pride

Claudel or the handmaiden of the lord

Breton or poetry

Stendhal or romancing the real

Volume 2: Lived Experience

Introduction

Part 1: Formative years. Childhood

The girl

Sexual initiation

The lesbian

Part 2: Situation. The married woman

The mother

Social life

Prostitutes and hetaeras

From maturity to old age

Woman's situation and character

Part 3: Justifications. The narcissist

The woman in love

The mystic

Part 4: Toward liberation

Independent woman

Conclusion.