Anna Komnene Princess of History is a short biographical sketch of a twelfth century woman who was not just a princess but also a scholar, wife, mother, hospital administrator and nun. She was a keen observer of people and events, who wrote a fascinating history of her times. She pursued learning, often studying well beyond the schooling provided to her. She pursued the empire, attempting to make herself Empress, but losing to her younger brother. Then she pursued recording the events and people of her father's reign, from her personal experiences and her research. This essay summarizes her life and encourages the reading of her book.