Women Writing Dangerously

A gripping, centuries-spanning visual history and exploration of books by female authors who have been banned or silenced.

When it comes to censoring women’s writing, everything old becomes new again. Women Writing Dangerously is an astonishing, colorful exploration of the consequences women writers have faced when their books became controversial, honoring those who fought the system by using their pens and typewriters as weapons.

Books by women have long been targeted, from Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852) and The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall (1928) to The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (1970) and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1983), with more titles being challenged each year. Women Writing Dangerously explores the fascinating stories of literary trailblazers who first dared to bring sexuality, gender identity, race, immigration, and other controversial topics to reading audiences—even if it meant facing backlash and silencing.

Filled with historical ephemera, covers from forgotten books, and original illustrations, this dynamic volume shares not only the facts and figures, but the passion that went into creating these books and the heartbreak around their banning. Today’s censorship frenzy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, nor is it going away any time soon; but through Nava Atlas’s in-depth research and storytelling, readers will walk away with a more enriched literary history emboldened by the past to fight for a future that ensures freedom of expression.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs