Yay for Seal Press and Susan Stryker!

Just when it seems like more and more publishers are publishing fewer and fewer books, and even less and less queer titles, Seal Press persists—thank goodness!!

I recently was given the opportunity to review Susan Stryker’s new book, Transgender History.



Having had the chance on a few occasions to hear Stryker speak at various events, and being familiar with other work of hers, I wasn’t surprised by her ability to engage me as a reader, or by the overall readability of Transgender History.

True, when you cram “history” (trans or not) into 153 pages, there are several things that you can focus on, and many other things you cannot. But, as primer/introductory text, Transgender History has a lot to offer.

People will certainly be drawn to the first chapter, “An Introduction to Transgender Terms and Concepts.” While I am much more hesitant to provide my students with readings that present a list of terms and definitions (preferring instead that they encounter them in context, often in contradictory contexts that reveal their nuances), a general reading public will certainly appreciate the way in which Stryker is able to succinctly give them a working understanding of so many terms.

The second chapter, “A Hundred Years of Transgender History” is an amazing condensation of a lot of information. I have previously encountered much of the information that Stryker presents, but to have it all gathered here and in less than thirty pages is a feat! I particularly appreciated Stryker’s attention to the ways in which medical science (and legislation over it) has increasingly played a central role in our everyday lives.

Chapter 4, “The Difficult Decades” highlights Transgender History's usefulness for contemporary Women’s Studies and Gender Studies courses.

Most importantly, throughout the book there is a strong focus on critically analyzing the role of state policies and institutions in controlling those who go against social norms. At times, these moments may be too subtle for novice readers, but the book definitely has a lot to offer.

Check it out for yourself...