John Grainger presents a unique survey and catalogue of the many women who have ruled in their own right. The immense scope of the work, which is truly global and covers around five thousand years of history, from ancient Sumer to the modern world, throws up interesting insights and surprises, such as the large number of female rulers from Muslim countries and their almost total absence from North America, China and elsewhere. There are over three hundred entries, each with a concise biography where sources allow, and many are illustrated. That the number is not larger highlights the issues of patriarchy but at the same time they show that female rulers have been more prevalent than a misogynistic historical tradition has led us to believe. The author’s stated aim is that by listing the ladies who ruled in all societies, the contrasts between those societies becomes much more obvious, as does the negligence of historians in ignoring them, and that the large number of women who have ruled somewhere, even in the most misogynistic societies becomes clearer. The result is a valuable reference resource for anyone interested in societies and power structures generally, but especially in the role of women throughout history.
