Philosophy· France
The Second Sex
by Simone de BeauvoirAggregate Editorial Score39/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1949728 pagesEnglish
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The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir is a landmark work of philosophy, first published in 1949. De Beauvoir's foundational feminist text argues that 'one is not born a woman, but becomes one,' examining how women have been defined by men as the 'Other.' The most important feminist philosophical text of the twentieth century. Themes of feminism, existentialism, gender run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1949.
Book Details
About the Category
🧠 Philosophy
Works examining fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics.
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🇫🇷 France
This book is part of France's rich literary tradition.
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The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir sits within the tradition of philosophy that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1949 in France, it engages with feminism, existentialism, gender, history in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention.
Among its recognitions: ALA Notable Books 1949. With an editorial score of 39/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys.
What distinguishes The Second Sex is how it handles its central concerns — feminism, existentialism, gender, history — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it.
The Second Sex reflects Simone de Beauvoir's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with France's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
ALA Notable Books
notable · national
194910
Simone de Beauvoir is a celebrated author from France known for influential works of philosophy.
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