Gioseffi, Daniela, ed. Women on war; an international anthology of writings.

2nd ed. Feminist Press. 375p. bibliog. index, c2003. 155861409-5. $19.95. SA

Since the beginning of time, endless conflicts and crises have led people into wars. Men have commented and written about the honor, the battles, and the triumphs, but too often women, the victims of these wars, the sorrowing mothers and wives, were mute. In 1988 the Feminist Press published Women on War, giving women's perspective from earliest days to the late 20th century. The publication was admired and acclaimed for the depth and quality of the writing. The second edition, which includes material on September 11th, is a welcome addition and update to a topic that needs even more discussion and action to avert a global nuclear disaster. The anthology includes excerpts from novels, essays, journal articles, and poetry. The victims of rape and other war crimes share their stories along with the urgent documented presentations of scientists and social activists. This new edition contains almost 40% new material with worldwide representation, including voices from the third world, refugees, girl soldiers, and survivors of torture as well as renowned authors. Spanning from 2300 B.C. to 2001 A.D., women raise laments, state baldly the horrors they have endured, but keep the thread of hope alive that the world will seek non-violent ways to settle conflicts and live in peace. The introduction is a thought-provoking essay that leads the reader to seek out favorite writers in the pages that follow and to explore the writing of many new and emerging voices all seeking peace. This is a valuable resource for students and adult readers. Mary T. Gerrity, Bel Air, MD