Janina Ramirez – författare

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERLONGLISTED FOR THE CUNDILL HISTORY PRIZE'Revelatory' GUARDIAN'A firecracker somehow captured between two covers' LUCY WORSLEYAn instant bestseller and one of the most celebrated history books of the year, Femina reveals the power and influence of medieval women who have been written out of our history. From royalty and religion to fame and fury, see the medieval world - and the women erased from it - with fresh eyes.'Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended' CAITLIN MORAN'Femina is a ground-breaking history of the Middle Ages' SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIOREThe instant Sunday Times bestseller, May 2023

From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited for political, nation-building ends.From Joan of Arc to Lady Godiva, Isabella of Castile to Catherine of Siena, famous medieval women have become national icons, their legends burnished and celebrated. But over the centuries their lives have been exploited, their stories twisted and weaponised. Searching for the real women behind the legends, bestselling historian Janina Ramirez reveals how history is often hijacked to serve the ideological and political agendas of the present. Praise for LEGENDA:'Fearless, stunning and shockingly relevant' Alice Roberts, author of Domination'A history like no other. Fabulous, invigorating and beguiling' Kate Mosse, author of Labyrinth'Sensational! Janina Ramirez is writing women back into history one by one' Lauren Laverne'A brilliant concept, conveyed with that dynamo mix: academic authority and storytelling pizzazz!' Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen

Over six hundred years ago a woman known as Julian of Norwich wrote what is now regarded as one of the greatest works of literature in English. Based on a sequence of mystical visions she received in 1373, her book is called Revelations of Divine Love. Julian lived through an age of political and religious turmoil, as well as through the misery of the Black Death, and her writing engages with timeless questions about life, love and the meaning of suffering. But who was Julian of Norwich? And what can she teach us today?Medievalist and TV historian Janina Ramirez invites you to join her in exploring Julian's remarkable life and times, offering insights into how and why her writing has survived, and what we can learn from this fourteenth-century mystic whose work lay hidden in the shadows of her male contemporaries for far too long.

A thrilling mystery adventure packed with danger, discovery, and unforgettable characters, this captivating story follows a young would-be investigator determined to uncover the truth, no matter the risk.Alva races through the forest under the cover of darkness with her loyal sniffer wolf, Fen, by her side. With a kidnapper on the loose, venturing out alone is a dangerous decision, but Alva dreams of becoming an investigator like her Uncle Magnus and is determined to reach the crime scene before anyone else.What she finds raises more questions than answers. As clues begin to emerge, Alva is drawn into a perilous quest filled with secrets, unexpected twists, and the promise of hidden treasure. To solve the mystery, she must rely on her courage, determination, and sharp instincts as danger closes in around her.Combining suspense, adventure, and a compelling mystery, this exciting tale transports readers into a world of intrigue where every clue could lead one step closer to the truth.Key Features & Benefits• Gripping Mystery Adventure - An engaging story filled with clues, secrets, and unexpected discoveries.• Strong and Determined Heroine - Follow Alva as she pursues her dream of becoming an investigator and bravely faces every challenge.• Unforgettable Animal Companion - Features Fen, Alva's loyal sniffer wolf, who helps her track clues and uncover hidden truths.• Packed with Suspense - Keeps readers turning pages with twists, mysteries, and mounting danger.• Themes of Courage & Persistence - Explores bravery, determination, and the importance of seeking the truth.• Perfect for Adventure Lovers - An ideal read for children who enjoy mysteries, treasure hunts, and thrilling investigations.Why Readers Love This BookA fast-paced adventure that blends mystery, treasure hunting, and suspense into an exciting journey. With a courageous heroine, a loyal wolf companion, and plenty of secrets to uncover, this is a compelling read for young readers who love solving puzzles and exploring the unknown.

Alva rushes through the trees in the dead of night with her sniffer wolf, Fen. Being out alone when there''s a kidnapper on the loose is reckless, but if she ever wants to be an investigator like her Uncle Magnus, she''ll need to be first to the crime scene. But what Alva discovers raises more questions than it answers, drawing her into a dangerous search for truth, and for treasure.

Join young investigator and shield maiden Alva as she goes a-viking around the medieval world in search of adventure! Alva clings to her sleeping wolf as the Viking longship pitches and rolls over the North Sea's crashing waves. Soon she will reveal herself as a secret stowaway, but only when there's no chance of turning back. This is her opportunity to put her shield maiden spirit to the test - exploring strange new lands, solving mysteries, and most importantly finding her father . . .

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Femina'Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages' - Dan SnowSkulduggery, power struggles and politics, The Private Lives of the Saints offers an original and fascinating re-examination of life in Anglo-Saxon England. Taking them down from the clouds of their heavenly status, Sunday Times bestselling author and renowned Oxford historian Dr Janina Ramirez explores the real lives of the legendary, seminal saints.This landmark book provides a unique and captivating new lens through which to explore the rich history of the Dark Ages.

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERLONGLISTED FOR THE CUNDILL HISTORY PRIZE'Revelatory' GUARDIAN'A firecracker somehow captured between two covers' LUCY WORSLEYAn instant bestseller and one of the most celebrated history books of the year, Femina reveals the power and influence of medieval women who have been written out of our history. From royalty and religion to fame and fury, see the medieval world - and the women erased from it - with fresh eyes.'Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended' CAITLIN MORAN'Femina is a ground-breaking history of the Middle Ages' SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIOREThe instant Sunday Times bestseller, May 2023

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Femina'Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages' - Dan SnowSkulduggery, power struggles and politics, The Private Lives of the Saints offers an original and fascinating re-examination of life in Anglo-Saxon England. Taking them down from the clouds of their heavenly status, Sunday Times bestselling author and renowned Oxford historian Dr Janina Ramirez explores the real lives of the legendary, seminal saints.This landmark book provides a unique and captivating new lens through which to explore the rich history of the Dark Ages.

From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited over centuries for political, nation-building ends.In LEGENDA, bestselling historian Professor Janina Ramirez peels back the layers of time to reveal how the lives of women have been co-opted by those intent on crafting national identities. Their names are well known, and summaries of their achievements have been recited in classrooms for decades, but medieval women like Joan of Arc, Lady Godiva and Isabella of Castile have been misrepresented, their stories twisted and weaponised. Meanwhile, ground-breaking 18th- and 19th-century women who blazed a trail through revolutionary Europe have been forgotten, their legacies too easily dismissed or ignored.Questioning established narratives and searching for the real women behind the legends, Ramirez interrogates what defines a nation and who gets to build it, shining a light on how history is so often hijacked to serve the ideological and political interests of the present.PRAISE FOR JANINA RAMIREZ:'Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages and reveals a vibrant world, awash with colour and character' DAN SNOW, host of History Hit'Skillfully brings out from the shadows the lives of women who ruled, fought, traded, created, and inspired' CAT JARMAN, author of River Kings'Like the interlace stonework on an Anglo-Saxon cross, Janina Ramirez's themes are interwoven with a conssumate skill' TOM HOLLAND, author of Dominion and host of The Rest is History'Ramirez makes us look into the mists of history in new, exciting and provocative ways' PETER FRANKOPAN, author of The Silk Roads

Part of the ALL-NEW LADYBIRD EXPERT SERIES'This accessible illustrated guide is a great introduction to the story, its origins and its enduring legacy' BBC HISTORY- Which is more terrifying - a monster or its mother? - Why did Berserkers run naked into battle? - How was the story of Beowulf almost lost forever?PLUNGE into the adventures of Beowulf, the 6th Century hero who defeated the monster Grendel, became king of his people, and slayed a tremendous dragon. Surviving in a single, burnt manuscript, Beowulf continues to entrance readers and inspire major works of fantasy today.WARRIORS. MONSTERS. DRAGONS. GOLD.Janina Ramirez's Beowulf is an accessible and authoritative guide to the spellbinding world and daring feats of a poem remembered through the centuries.

From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited for political, nation-building ends.From Joan of Arc to Lady Godiva, Isabella of Castile to Catherine of Siena, famous medieval women have become national icons, their legends burnished and celebrated. But over the centuries their lives have been exploited, their stories twisted and weaponised. Searching for the real women behind the legends, bestselling historian Janina Ramirez reveals how history is often hijacked to serve the ideological and political agendas of the present. Praise for LEGENDA:'Fearless, stunning and shockingly relevant' Alice Roberts, author of Domination'A history like no other. Fabulous, invigorating and beguiling' Kate Mosse, author of Labyrinth'Sensational! Janina Ramirez is writing women back into history one by one' Lauren Laverne'A brilliant concept, conveyed with that dynamo mix: academic authority and storytelling pizzazz!' Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen

Brought to you by Penguin.From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited over centuries for political, nation-building ends.In LEGENDA, bestselling historian Professor Janina Ramirez peels back the layers of time to reveal how the lives of women have been co-opted by those intent on crafting national identities. Their names are well known, and summaries of their achievements have been recited in classrooms for decades, but medieval women like Joan of Arc, Lady Godiva and Isabella of Castile have been misrepresented, their stories twisted and weaponised. Meanwhile, ground-breaking 18th- and 19th-century women who blazed a trail through revolutionary Europe have been forgotten, their legacies too easily dismissed or ignored.Questioning established narratives and searching for the real women behind the legends, Ramirez interrogates what defines a nation and who gets to build it, shining a light on how history is so often hijacked to serve the ideological and political interests of the present.'Very readable...Ramirez tells each of those [women's] stories with verve, and is a knowledgeable guide to the medieval world.' Sunday Times'Sensational! Janina Ramirez is writing women back into history one by one.' Lauren Laverne'A brilliant concept, conveyed with that dynamo mix: academic authority and storytelling pizzaz!' Alice Loxton, author of EIGHTEEN(c) Janina Ramirez 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Tales of powerful female figures have been told since the beginning of time and this collection brings together 50 stories from around the world. There are loving creators, wise leaders, fearsome warriors, gentle healers and mystical protectors, and they can each inspire you to find strength within yourself . . .Beautifully written by cultural historian and broadcaster, Dr Janina Ramirez, and stunningly illustrated by Sarah Walsh, this amazing book contains goddesses, guides, spirits, saints, witches, demons and many more female figures that have played an important role in shaping belief today. Based on original sources and with photographs from the British Museum collection, this incredible introduction to goddesses throughout history will entertain, engage and empower readers everywhere.Divided into thematic chapters, but connected by the power of the female, there are important stories of creation and love, action-packed stories of war and death, and heroic stories of great adventure and strength. Each gorgeously illustrated spread is a celebration of girl power in its many forms.List of goddesses featured: Inanna, Athena, Mami Wata, Nut, Ezili Danto, Rhiannon, Xiwangmu, Baba Yaga, Durga, Juno, Venus, Chalchiutitcue, Brigid, Mokosh, Pattini, Ariadne, Asase Yaa, Gaia, Eve, Mawu, Lilith, Sekhmet, Diana, Freyja, Izanami, Anat, Hel, Rangda, Medusa, Kali, Mary, Guanyin, Isis, Hecate, Sarasvati, Tara, Chang'e, Pte San Win, Lakshmi, Popa Medaw, Sedna, Itzpapalotl, Pele, Badb Catha, Oshun, Spider Mother, Tiamat, Amaterasu, Papatuanuku, Mazu

Part of the ALL-NEW LADYBIRD EXPERT SERIES'This accessible illustrated guide is a great introduction to the story, its origins and its enduring legacy' BBC HISTORY- Which is more terrifying - a monster or its mother? - Why did Berserkers run naked into battle? - How was the story of Beowulf almost lost forever?PLUNGE into the adventures of Beowulf, the 6th Century hero who defeated the monster Grendel, became king of his people, and slayed a tremendous dragon. Surviving in a single, burnt manuscript, Beowulf continues to entrance readers and inspire major works of fantasy today.WARRIORS. MONSTERS. DRAGONS. GOLD.Janina Ramirez's Beowulf is an accessible and authoritative guide to the spellbinding world and daring feats of a poem remembered through the centuries.