A History of the World in 21 Women: A Personal Selection

Description

They led while others followed. They stood up and spoke out when no one else would. They broke the mould in art, music and literature. Each of them fought, in their own way, for change. Encompassing artists, politicians, activists, reporters and heads of state from past and present, A History of the World in 21 Women celebrates the lives, struggles and achievements of women who have had a profound impact on the shaping of our world. Jenni's 21 are: Joan of Arc, Artemesia Gentileschi, Angela Merkel, Benazir Bhutto, Hillary Clinton, Coco Chanel, Empress Dowager Cixi, Catherine the Great, Clara Schumann, Hatshepsut, Wangari Maathai, Golda Meir, Frida Kahlo, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, Isabella of Castile, Cathy Freeman, Anna Politokovskaya, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Madonna and Marie Curie.

Jenni Murray is a journalist and broadcaster who has presented BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour since 1987. She is the author of several books, including A History of Britain in 21 Women and Memoirs of a Not So Dutiful Daughter. She lives in Barnet, North London, and the Peak District.

'Each story has been lovingly researched and crafted with care... The book is written in a fresh, accessible, at times witty style... Murray skilfully interweaves stories of the familiar with the lesser-known, and brings new information to light... Not only has Murray succeeded in her aim to celebrate women's achievements, but this book is an achievement in itself - one that everyone who identifies as a feminist (and anyone who doesn't) should read.' -- Resurgence & Ecologist 'Enlightening pieces of passion about 21 pioneering woman delivered with personal verve.' -- LoveReading 'Charming...[Murray's] selection is pleasingly varied... but the strength of the collection lies in Murray's relaxed and intimate style... a testament to the achievements and the complicated legacies, of extraordinary women.' * BBC History Magazine * 'In this interesting twist on collective biography...has chosen 21 women to document history... Whether browsing for fun or reading cover to cover, readers will find this equally satisfying.' * Booklist * 'Ambitious, engaging and accessible. Who better than Jenni Murray to curate this whistle-stop tour of the globe and introduce twenty-one women who in different times and different places dared to be different?' -- Dr Anna Whitelock, author of Mary Tudor: England's First Queen 'A valuable resource for all readers. Jenni Murray's collection of distinguished women is illuminating and inspiring.' -- Charlotte Gordon, author of Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley