This is a pioneering work, the first to argue for the equal role of women in human evolution. On its first publication in 1972 it became a rallying-point for feminism and changed the terminology of anthropologists forever. It remains a key text in feminist history, as well as an extension to the author's "Aquatic Ape Hypothesis", which is gaining more academic support each year. Starting with her demolition of the Biblical myth that woman was an afterthought to the creation of man, Elaine Morgan rewrites human history and evolution. This work is: a standard work in Women's Studies and Anthropology, a set text of most university syllabuses; a seminal work, that develops the argument of the international bestselling "The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis". Elaine Morgan receives consistent media attention, with a major BBC radio documentary on her work broadcast last year. The once-controversial "Aquatic Ape Theory" is gaining academic respect and Elaine Morgan is now accepted as one of the leading thinkers of the Twentieth century (and has received many honours for her work).