Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It

“Femina is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the Middle Ages and its place in the modern mind.” —Dan Jones, bestselling author of Powers and Thrones

The Middle Ages are seen as a bloodthirsty time of Vikings, saints and kings—a patriarchal society that oppressed and excluded women. Now through a careful examination of the artifacts, writings and possessions they left behind, the influential and multifaceted lives of women are emerging. Femina goes beyond the official records to uncover the true impact of women, such as:

• Jadwiga, the only female king in Europe
• Margery Kempe, who exploited her image and story to ensure her notoriety
• Loftus Princess, whose existence gives us clues about the beginnings of Christianity in England

In Femina, Oxford and BBC historian Janina Ramirez invites us to see the medieval world with fresh eyes and discover why these remarkable women were removed from our collective memories.

“A passionate voice for women in history.” —Hallie Rubenhold, bestselling author of The Five

“Spellbinding, passionate, gripping and magnificently fresh in tone, boldly wide in range, elegantly written, deeply researched, Femina is a ground-breaking history of the Middle Ages.” —Simon Sebag Montefiore, bestselling author of Jerusalem: The Biography