10 of the best feminist books to galvanise and inspire

This powerful essay is a must-read for any feminist in the 21st century, perfectly articulating what feminism means today. The perfect starter-book for anyone who is unsure.

No feminist library is complete without a bit of post-modernist literature - and especially Virginia Woolf. This collection of essays explores women's fight for independence during the 1920s.

Moran is known for her razor-sharp and hilarious observations, and her 2011 memoir captures it all, while also exploring her journey to feminism. Comedy crossed with activism - what more could you want?

Historically, works of feminism have tended to focus on the plight of middle-class white women. This eye-opening tome explores why intersectional feminism - taking into account race, class, sexual orientation and disability - is so important.

The feminist dystopia to end all feminist dystopias: Margaret Atwood's totalitarian state Gilead seems even more shocking when you look at the parallels with real-world patriarchal society.  Be sure to watch the incredible series too.

In this insightful book, Perez explores how the world has been designed for men. From the safety of cars, to creating medicines, to the number of female toilets, this book covers it all. You'll never see the world in the same way again.

This collection of essays comes from one of the most brilliant feminists (and writers) of our time, covering everything from women's culture to abortion.

Alderman's dystopian novel, where women suddenly have electric powers, portrays a fascinating power role reversal that can tell us so much about the world today.

Want to get really angry, but in a good way? This is the book for you. Ford uses memoir, opinion and investigative journalism to explore the many ways women are still oppressed in 21st century society.

First published 30 years ago, Wolf's game-changing book explores the pressures of beauty and femininity women are faced with in the media and beyond. And with the explosion of social media, her ideas are more relevant than ever.