Women's Fantasies: Women Design Men. In books, films, and theater. While the representations of women created by men have been extensively analyzed, discussed, and criticized, the same cannot be said for the men imagined by women. They have remained largely overlooked by literary criticism. This volume aims to fill that gap. 26 scholars have examined literary and cinematic works by women from seven centuries regarding their portrayals of masculinity, revealing astonishing insights. Often, their protagonists hardly conform to the gender models promoted by society. This is evident as early as the Renaissance, in the letters of women who express their disdain for the martial endeavors of their husbands. It is an exciting journey through the centuries that continually surprises, revises what was thought to be known, heightens expectations, and uncovers entirely new perspectives. A promising venture into uncharted territory for both men and women.