The Madame Curie Complex: The Hidden History of Women in Science
Hidden: The Madame Curie Complex examines women’s contributions to science and challenges the idea of the lone male genius. Julie Des Jardins profiles scientists including Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Rosalind Franklin and Rosalyn Yalow, placing their work in a broader history of science.
At a glance
- Profiles women scientists including Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Rosalind Franklin and Rosalyn Yalow.
- Examines the myth of the lone male genius and women’s contributions to twentieth-century science.
- Considers how scientists’ questions and methods shaped explanations of the natural world.
Reference price: $32.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Brings together several notable women scientists in a history-focused account.
- Offers a perspective on how assumptions about gender have shaped the telling of science history.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | The Feminist Press at CUNY |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 8 June 2010 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9781558616134 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1558616134 |
| Weight listed | 318 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 2.79 x 20.32 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in women’s history and the history of science.
- Readers seeking profiles of influential women scientists and an examination of the lone-genius narrative.
Less suited to
- Readers looking primarily for a technical science reference or a single-scientist biography.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
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23% 23% - 3 stars
13% 13% - 2 stars
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Aggregate ratings lean positive, with five- and four-star ratings making up most of the distribution and some three-star ratings. This offers a broad signal of reader reception, but without comment summaries it does not show what readers liked or what concerns they had.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Madame Curie Complex about?
It explores women’s contributions to science and challenges the lone male genius narrative through profiles of prominent women scientists.
Which scientists are featured?
The description names Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Rosalind Franklin and Rosalyn Yalow.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 352 pages.
