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A review by mrs_ailurophile
Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics by Jason Porath
5.0
FIVE STARS TOTALLY FIVE STARS
So, I bought this book on a whim while on vacation in Northern Maine. And I have to say that I do not regret this decision at all.
Historians tend to focus on specifics in history and up until recently, women were viewed as unimportant. Yes, the most famous and powerful, such as Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great, and Marie Antoinette have countless biographies and studies written of them. They're known to even those less inclined to history, even if they don't know anything about them. A name is, after all, very powerful. However, it is my opinion (and I'm obviously not alone in this) that women have shaped history more than people realize. We just don't know about it. Therefore, this book appeals to all those who are interested in those women history has ignored.
Granted, there were quite a few that I had heard of (Empress Theodora, Ada Lovelace, Hatepshut, Nzinga Mbande, Princess Caraboo and Boudica are some examples) but that's because I've spent hours "researching" on Wikipedia (I know - not the greatest resource for historical research but it does give me a start). Yet here were many more that were unknown to me; I even started a list of those I wanted to find more about.
What I also enjoyed was the addition of figures from myths and legends. I've always loved fairy tales (Disney is and always will be the first love of my love) and its nice to read more than the usual Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid/i> type tales.
The violence and sexual maturity levels (abuse, gun fighting, rape) are rated 1-5, with the least violent and sexual to the most, which provides a useful reference for those who might think of reading this book to their children. While the illustrations have helpful facts/games, despite their Disney-esque nature they're actually useful for those who are more visual and help lighten up the mood. Especially for the more violent stories.
The hardcover edition is well worthy it's money because the pages are glossy and smooth, and the illustrations are big and quite beautiful, even if a little comical. It can be read from cover to cover or you can use the Contents; its also a good display book. I've had it on the table next to my couch and every time I found a moment to sit and didn't feel like watching TV, I would pick it up and read several entries. Honestly, while I did read it cover to cover, it was nice not to feel rushed.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys history and strong portrayals of women. Actually, I would recommend this to anyone, especially to those women-hating sh*tty conservatives.
So, I bought this book on a whim while on vacation in Northern Maine. And I have to say that I do not regret this decision at all.
Historians tend to focus on specifics in history and up until recently, women were viewed as unimportant. Yes, the most famous and powerful, such as Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great, and Marie Antoinette have countless biographies and studies written of them. They're known to even those less inclined to history, even if they don't know anything about them. A name is, after all, very powerful. However, it is my opinion (and I'm obviously not alone in this) that women have shaped history more than people realize. We just don't know about it. Therefore, this book appeals to all those who are interested in those women history has ignored.
Granted, there were quite a few that I had heard of (Empress Theodora, Ada Lovelace, Hatepshut, Nzinga Mbande, Princess Caraboo and Boudica are some examples) but that's because I've spent hours "researching" on Wikipedia (I know - not the greatest resource for historical research but it does give me a start). Yet here were many more that were unknown to me; I even started a list of those I wanted to find more about.
What I also enjoyed was the addition of figures from myths and legends. I've always loved fairy tales (Disney is and always will be the first love of my love) and its nice to read more than the usual Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid/i> type tales.
The violence and sexual maturity levels (abuse, gun fighting, rape) are rated 1-5, with the least violent and sexual to the most, which provides a useful reference for those who might think of reading this book to their children. While the illustrations have helpful facts/games, despite their Disney-esque nature they're actually useful for those who are more visual and help lighten up the mood. Especially for the more violent stories.
The hardcover edition is well worthy it's money because the pages are glossy and smooth, and the illustrations are big and quite beautiful, even if a little comical. It can be read from cover to cover or you can use the Contents; its also a good display book. I've had it on the table next to my couch and every time I found a moment to sit and didn't feel like watching TV, I would pick it up and read several entries. Honestly, while I did read it cover to cover, it was nice not to feel rushed.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys history and strong portrayals of women. Actually, I would recommend this to anyone, especially to those women-hating sh*tty conservatives.