The Periodic Table of Feminism by Marisa Bate

In this (rather gorgeous) book, Bate looks at the four waves of feminism chronologically, creating a table with six categories, grouping like-minded individuals together by the nature of their activism and their approach to the movement. Precious Metals are the leaders; Catalysts are pioneers and fire starters; Conductors are the organisers; Diatomics are the women working together; Stabilisers are the pacifists; and Explosives are the radicals and anarchists.

(Ebury, £9.99)

Which book about inspirational women is right for you?