Legenda
The Real Women Behind the Myths That Shaped Europe
$74.01
- Hardcover
480 pages
- Release Date
6 December 2025
Summary
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…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780753560419 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0753560410 |
| Author: | Janina Ramirez |
| Publisher: | Ebury Publishing |
| Imprint: | W H Allen |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 480 |
| Release Date: | 6 December 2025 |
| Weight: | 709g |
| Dimensions: | 240mm x 162mm x 40mm |
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Critics Review
Janina Ramirez fearlessly deconstructs the dangerous historical myths and legends that have been shamelessly created to stoke division and hatred, finding complexity, truth and inspiration in this stunning - and shockingly relevant - new analysis of medieval history – Alice Roberts, author of ANCESTORSThis is a history like no other, a top-down story of nationhood and mythology, a dazzling assessment of the past through the lens of the present and a rallying cry for the importance of history. Most of all, it’s a plea to consider the real flesh-and-blood women who made the world rather than their sanitised, mythologised counterparts. A fabulous, invigorating and beguiling read – Kate Mosse, author of LABYRINTH and WARRIOR QUEENS & QUIET REVOLUTIONARIESIn Legenda, the legendary Janina Ramirez strikes again. I love the way she cuts through the myths with her fierce mind. Stirring stuff – Lucy Worsley, author of AGATHA CHRISTIE and JANE AUSTEN AT HOMESensational! Janina Ramirez is writing women back into history one by one – Lauren LaverneBreathtaking and urgent. From dismantling assumptions about legendary women’s assigned roles as mothers of nations to re-instating them as powerful agents of change, Ramirez expands our understanding of womanhood. This book is a tour de force – Olivette Otele, author of AFRICAN EUROPEANSA brilliant concept, conveyed with that dynamo mix: academic authority and storytelling pizzaz! – Alice Loxton, author of EIGHTEENLively … important. Ramirez is urging us to become critical thinkers, able to spot those places where history has been rewritten to serve the ideological interests of whoever happens to have the largest megaphone – Kathryn Hughes * Daily Mail *Very readable … Ramirez tells each of these [women’s] stories with verve , and is a knowledgeable guide to the medieval world – Katherine Harvey * Sunday Times *
About The Author
Janina Ramirez
Janina Ramirez
Janina Ramirez is a Sunday Times bestselling author, an Oxford lecturer, a BBC broadcaster, and a researcher.
She serves as the Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and is a Visiting Professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln.
Her research interests span medieval history, art, and literature, and she has authored both fiction and non-fiction works for adults and young readers. Janina has also written and presented documentaries globally for over 15 years.
She holds the position of Lifelong President of Gloucester History Festival and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, the Royal Society of Arts, the Universities of York and Gloucestershire, and City Lit.
Her book, Femina, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller.
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