Fruit of Knowledge: The Vulva vs. The Patriarchy

Liv Strömquist's Fruit of Knowledge: The Vulva vs. The Patriarchy (2018, Fantagraphics) is a sharp, single-issue graphic essay that traces the cultural and political history of the female genitalia, examining how patriarchal societies have shaped—and often distorted—our understanding of the vulva. Strömquist, who both writes and illustrates, combines rigorous research with her signature wry humor and bold, accessible cartooning to challenge centuries of misinformation and taboo. Co-written with Melissa Bowers, this standalone volume is a vital, eye-opening work of feminist comics scholarship.