World-Changing Women (Hardback)
150 Women who Rewrote the Histories of Ancient Egypt, Israel, Greece and Rome
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 232
Illustrations: 32 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781399056465
Published: 13th December 2024
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Countless books have been written about prominent women in Greece and Rome, so we know all about Medea, Sappho, Lucretia, Boudica and Cleopatra and their significant actions and achievements. This book extends the invaluable story of women in early history to pre-classical civilisations, ancient Egypt and Israel to include prominent women in those civilisations as well, thus introducing them, and their roles and places in their respective societies and social histories, to a wide audience.
The aim of this book is to demonstrate how 150 women (most little known) significantly influenced, informed and changed the worlds in which they lived. We show how a small, disparate body of women in each of these periods, united by their determination and strength of mind, were able to break free from the norms and values of the patriarchal societies which confined and restricted them to make a valuable difference to their individual societies, cultures, politics and foreign policies; in so doing they have changed perceptions of women and the role women were subsequently allowed to play. Some of the women are well known, others less so. The book reinforces the reputations of those who have endured popularity over the centuries and, where necessary, realigns those reputations after years of prejudice and the vicissitudes of sexism, misogyny, Hollywood and sensationalist literature. For those who have been written out of mainstream history and relegated to footnotes at best, this is a chance to re-introduce them and the impact they have made on their and our world. Their relative anonymity does not mean that they are less important - on the contrary, they are equally significant and the more we know about them, the better if we want a rounded picture of the civilisations to which they contributed so much.
Each chapter is followed by suggestions for further reading to encourage further research.
Such an enjoyable and captivating read about real life strong female characters or women in history which left a huge impact in the society/world. Thank you so much NetGalley for approving the arc. I learned a lot. This is well researched and engaging read.
NetGalley, Gaselle Jones
Chrystal has compiled a very impressive list, kept to the known details, and provided a very thorough bibliography for further reading. It is quite a feat and interesting.
NetGalley, Angela Cousins
‘Nature made me a woman, but I have raised myself to rival the greatest of men.’ Semiramis
NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books
An interesting read on women throughout history.
150 women featured from the classical world, to ancient Egypt and the anonymous warrior woman of the Isles of Scilly.
A great read to dip in and out of, the author also provides further reading for many of the woman mentioned in this book.
‘If no man will step up, get out of the way!’ Onomaris
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Maria Flaherty
Julius Cesar, Alexandra The Great, Napoleon, Aristotle.... the list of so-called 'Great Men' of history seems never-ending but what about the great women? What about those - seemingly - nameless women who helped to create and change the world that we live in today? That list is equally long, but sadly, far from well known. Thankfully, the latest book from Paul Chrystal, "World Changing Women" aims to correct this error. In this short publication (and I do wish it was several hundred pages longer so I could read in greater depth of these incredible women), Chrystal provides a brief intro to the lives and achievements of 150 women. Many of them barely remembered now, yet they have shaped our world.
Chrystal recounts names dating from the 24th century (BC) such as Barabamtarra, responsible for trade with neighbouring states. The famous or infamous Medusa and unfortunate Mary Magdalen. There is a wonderful range of women, throughout the centuries. There impact on our world is undoubtable and should not be forgotten.
A fantastic read.
This book was really interesting and provides a lot of basic information about some of the major figures in history, both real and mythological such as Penelope, Helen of Troy, Agrippina, Cleopatra VII, etc. I enjoyed the context provided for each figure so the reader can understand the actions of these figures and truly grasp their historical significance.
NetGalley, Autumn Rose
I adore how most of the women covered were ones I had not heard of. This is very historical and looks at what is known. I like this as a resource and a primer for how to research these particular women.
NetGalley, Tori Stiefel
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Heather Bennett
What a wonderful book!!! I loved the book and all the stories in it, I will be buying several copies to give to people that I know will love it as much as I did!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer
I really enjoyed getting to learn about women in history that weren’t the popular and always talked about people. Paul Chrystal wrote this in a way that was engaging and you learned as you went. I’m so glad I got to read this as it was great learning about the 150 women in this book.
About Paul Chrystal
Paul Chrystal has been history advisor to York visitor attractions, writing features for national newspapers, and broadcasting on BBC local radio, on Radio 4’s PM programme and on the BBC World Service.
He is contributor to a number of history and archaeology magazines and writes features for national newspapers. He is author of the best-selling A History of Britain in 100 Objects (2022). His books have been translated into Chinese and Japanese.
He is author of Factory Girls: The Working Lives of Women and Children published by Pen & Sword in 2022.
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