Argues that there was a prehistoric shift in human society to patriarchy and at present, society is beginning to shift away from patriarchy.

Reviews

"The most important book since Darwin's "Origin of Species."-- Ashley Montagu"Some books are like revelations, they open the spirit to unimaginable possibilities. "The Chalice and the Blade" is one of those magnificent key books that can transform us and . . . initiate fundamental changes in the world. With the most passionate eloquence, Riane Eisler proves that the dream of peace is not an impossible utopia."-- Isabel Allende, author of "The House of the Spirits" ""The Chalice and the Blade" may be the most significant work published in all our lifetimes." -- "LA Weekly ""The greatest murder mystery and cover-up of all time." -- "New Age Journal""Everyone . . . should have the opportunity to read it." -- "The Chicago Tribune""Eisler's highly readable synthesis . . . is an important contribution to social history." -- "Publishers Weekly ""A gem . . . A rare combination of poetic expression and sober substance." -- Jessie Bernard, author of "The Future of Marriage "and "The Female World ""Validates a belief in humanity's capacity for benevolence and cooperation in the face of so much destruction." -- "San Francisco Chronicle Book Review""As important, perhaps more important, than the unearthing of Troy or the deciphering of cuneiform." -- Bruce Wilshire, professor of philosophy, Rutgers University