The Chalice and the Blade

First published in 1988, Riane Eisler's The Chalice and the Blade re-examines our societal cultural origins from a gender-holistic perspective, showing that the war of the sexes is neither divinely nor biologically ordained. The Chalice and the Blade presents evidence that for the longest span of our prehistory, cultures in particular regions of the world oriented towards what Eisler calls a partnership model, or gylany, to form a society in which relationships between the sexes are an egalitarian partnership. These cultures were matrifocal, focusing on live-giving and nuturing relationships. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of The Chalice and the Blade , this reissue includes a new epilogue by Eisler that discusses why her theories still matter in the 21st century and its current political and social climate following the 2016 presidential election.

First published in 1988, Riane Eisler's The Chalice and the Blade re-examines our societal cultural origins from a gender-holistic perspective, showing that the war of the sexes is neither divinely nor biologically ordained. The Chalice and the Blade presents evidence that for the longest span of our prehistory, cultures in particular regions of the world oriented towards what Eisler calls a partnership model, or gylany, to form a society in which relationships between the sexes are an egalitarian partnership. These cultures were matrifocal, focusing on live-giving and nuturing relationships. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of The Chalice and the Blade , this reissue includes a new epilogue by Eisler that discusses why her theories still matter in the 21st century and its current political and social climate following the 2016 presidential election.