Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It Forgotten Women A Bookshop of One’s Own : How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History No Modernism Without Lesbians Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World Maiden Voyages: Women and the Golden Age of Transatlantic Travel A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women Great Women Painters Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
11 Books on History’s Overlooked Women
7 Mar 2024
History is brimming with the remarkable stories of women, yet many of these narratives remain hidden in the shadows. This International Women's Day, we're highlighting 11 extraordinary books that bring to light the overlooked, misrepresented and forgotten women who have made significant contributions to various fields throughout history. From ancient civilisations to modern times, these captivating narratives challenge traditional accounts and offer fresh insights into the past. Join us as we explore these untold stories and celebrate the resilient, innovative and groundbreaking women who have transformed our world.
by Cat Bohannon
Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024, this is a book written on behalf of womankind, challenging traditional patriarchal narratives of human evolution by finally placing women and the female body at the centre of the story. Bohannon argues that women's bodies have played a crucial and often overlooked role in shaping our species' development, from early hominids to modern humans. Eve provides a new perspective on human evolution, inviting readers to reconsider the dominant male-focused narratives and recognise the significant impact of women's bodies and behaviours on our collective history.
by Janina Ramirez
‘A firecracker somehow captured between two covers’ (Lucy Worsley).
Femina
revisits the Middle Ages through the lens of women's stories, revealing their power and influence in this era. By highlighting notable figures like Jadwiga and Margery Kempe, Ramirez challenges historical accounts and provides a more comprehensive understanding of this era. This book serves as a reminder of the importance of reclaiming women's contributions to history and the need for continued efforts to uncover their stories.
by Zing Tsjeng
A global journey through history, unearthing the stories of over 190 remarkable women who have made significant contributions to their eras and transformed society. Zing Tsjeng takes readers from the Neolithic period to the present day, highlighting the impact of these women across time and cultures. By rediscovering and retelling their stories, Tsjeng aims to reinstate these women in their rightful place in history, acknowledging their importance and celebrating their lasting legacies.
by Jane Cholmeley
An
Independent
and
Stylist
Best Non-Fiction Book for 2024, this is a poignant memoir that uncovers the forgotten story of Silver Moon, a feminist bookshop founded in 1980s London. Amidst a backdrop of discrimination and social unrest, Jane Cholmeley and her co-founders created a safe haven for women and the LGBTQ+ community, promoting female writers and playing a vital role in the women's liberation movement. This compelling narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the overlooked contributions of women in history and their enduring impact on social change.
by Rebecca Hall
Combining the personal memoir and graphic novel forms,
Wake
explores the forgotten history of women-led slave revolts. Through her own journey of discovery, Hall brings to light the courageous struggles of these women and their resistance against the brutal system of slavery. By centring women's experiences, Hall challenges dominant narratives and offers a more nuanced understanding of the slave trade and its ongoing impact. This innovative and powerful work serves as a vital contribution to our understanding of history and a call to honour those who fought for freedom.
by Philippa Gregory
‘A lasting work of social history’ (
The Times
). A groundbreaking book that seeks to challenge the male-dominated narratives of history by shining a light on the stories of ordinary women. From heroines and murderers to boxers and brides, Gregory brings to life the experiences of women who have often been overlooked or ignored by traditional historical accounts. By highlighting the lives of these women, Gregory aims to correct the historical record and give voice to the stories of everyday women who have shaped our world in countless ways.
by Diana Souhami
A compelling exploration of the lives and legacies of four remarkable women who helped shape the cultural landscape of 20th-century Paris: Sylvia Beach, Bryher, Natalie Barney, and Gertrude Stein. Souhami argues that these pioneers not only challenged societal norms and conventions but also played a pivotal role in fostering the avant-garde art movements and literary circles that defined the era. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, readers are invited to reconsider the foundations of modernism and the under-acknowledged contributions of these trailblazing women.
by Kate Mosse
Discover the untold stories of women who have shaped our world throughout history. Through engaging narratives and careful research, Mosse shines a light on the women who have shaped our societies, from powerful queens and warriors to unsung heroes and everyday revolutionaries. This book challenges traditional historical accounts and offers a more inclusive perspective, inspiring readers to rethink the past and recognise the vital role of women in building the world we know today.
by Siân Evans
An engaging and informative social history that explores how women's lives were transformed by the rise of ocean liner travel during the 20th century. Through a series of captivating anecdotes and personal stories, Evans paints a vivid portrait of the women who sailed between the old and new worlds during the Golden Age of transatlantic travel. By highlighting the experiences of these women,
Maiden Voyages
provides a unique and often overlooked perspective on a pivotal moment in history, while also celebrating the transformative power of travel and the resilience of the human spirit.
by Emma Southon
‘Hugely entertaining and illuminating’ (Elodie Harper, author of
The Wolf Den
). A fresh, innovative retelling of the Roman Empire's history, told through the stories of influential women whose contributions have often been overlooked or forgotten. From empresses and senators to prostitutes and rebels, Southon provides a comprehensive account of the diverse experiences and achievements of women throughout Rome's imperial history. By centring the stories of these remarkable individuals, Southon challenges traditional narratives and offers a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of one of the world's most fascinating civilisations.
by Phaidon & Alison M Gingeras
Showcasing over 300 female artists from the last 500 years, this comprehensive survey highlights the diverse and often overlooked contributions of women to the world of art, as well as their remarkable skills and innovations. By covering a wide range of artistic styles, time periods, and cultural backgrounds,
Great Women Painters
challenges traditional narratives that have historically privileged male artists. Through its rich illustrations and insightful commentary, this book provides a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of women in the art world and serves as a vital resource for art lovers and scholars alike.
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