Through examination of artefacts, writings, and possessions, this reappraisal of medieval femininity presents countless cases of influential women such as Jadwiga, the only female King in Europe, whose names were struck from history. The Middle Ages are seen as a bloodthirsty time of Vikings, saints and kings; a patriarchal society that oppressed and excluded women. But when we dig a little deeper into the truth, we can see that the "Dark" Ages were anything but. Oxford and BBC historian Janina Ramirez has uncovered countless influential women's names struck out of historical records, with the word Femina annotated beside them. As gatekeepers of the past ordered books to be burned, artworks to be destroyed, and new versions of myths, legends and historical documents to be produced, our view of history has been manipulated.

"First published in 2022 in Great Britain by W. H. Allen & Co. ... This edition published in 2023. Copyright ©2023 by Janina Ramirez. Maps © Helen Stirling 2022." -- Verso.

Movers and shakers -- Decision makers -- Warriors and leaders -- Artists and patrons -- Polymaths and scientists -- Spies and outlaws -- Kings and diplomats -- Entrepreneurs and influencers -- Exceptional and outcast.