Legenda

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 *

Professor Janina Ramirez is a Sunday Times bestselling author, Oxford lecturer, BBC broadcaster and researcher. She is Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and Visiting Professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. She has published widely on medieval history, art and literature, has written both fiction and non-fiction for adults and younger readers, and has taught and researched across a broad chronological sweep, covering everything from the sculptures of antiquity to post-modern architecture. She has also written and presented documentaries across the world for over 15 years. She is Lifelong President of Gloucester History Festival, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Royal Society of Arts, Universities of York and Gloucestershire and City Lit. Her book Femina was an instant Sunday Times bestseller.