This work investigates the historical development and institutionalization of feminist literary criticism within the academy. Gayle Greene, a scholar of literature and women's studies, utilizes a blend of personal memoir, historical analysis, and critical theory to document how feminist perspectives transformed literary studies. The book argues that the emergence of this field was not merely an intellectual shift but a political and social movement that challenged established patriarchal structures in higher education.

Scholars and students of literary theory frequently cite this text as a vital primary source for understanding the institutional history of feminist criticism. Experts highlight the book's ability to bridge the gap between personal experience and rigorous academic inquiry.