A review by arachan
A History of the World in 21 Women by Jenni Murray

emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.75

I'm pleased that I knew the majority of these women already.  This is a very snappy book that  covers a lot of ground.  There isn't space for a detailed biography but the book is more concerned with elevating its subjects out of obscurity.  It's a very fast-paced book and the only complaint I would have is that, while Murray does include women based on historical influence rather than likeability, there is no real condemnation or censure aimed at any of them.

(Coco Chanel's attempt to use Nazi connections to do away with her Jewish business partners doesn't get mentioned.)

On the other hand, today I learned that Queen Isabella of Spain, patron of Columbus, was the inspiration for the Queen becoming the most powerful piece on the chess board.  Apparently, the Queen was originally just a less valuable copy of the King but following Isabella's long and very commanding career, it was changed.
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