Wish List 0 Wish List 0
Download high-resolution image

When Women Ruled the World

Six Queens of Egypt

Author Kara Cooney
$16.99 US
Disney Publishing Group | National Geographic
28 per carton
On sale Feb 04, 2020 | 9781426220883
Sales rights: World
Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies
See Additional Formats
This riveting paperback explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra, and shines a piercing light on perceptions of powerful women today.

Female rulers are a rare phenomenon--but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power-brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in male-dominated societies. Why did ancient Egypt provide women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today's world learn from its example?

In this captivating narrative, celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages--and why we should care.
“An accessible spin through the corridors of power in ancient Egypt, corridors that converged on thrones on which women reigned…Cooney provides welcome insights into pharaonic politics while bringing numerous little-known Egyptian women to the fore.” –Kirkus

“Although Cooney occasionally flirts with gender essentialism, this book shines as an introduction to ancient Egyptian society and beliefs centered around elite women's experiences.” –Booklist

“…this book breaks from trends in studies of ancient Egypt…Cooney discusses the women’s leadership…and speculates about what they must have experienced…her stories of these remarkable women…will enchant those wishing to imagine what ancient Egyptian court life was like.”
–Publishers Weekly 
 
"Not since Leonard Cottrell’s Lady of the Two Lands (1966) has such an engrossing, well-researched collective study of Egyptian power queens been available. Definitively recommended for anyone with an interest in ancient Egyptian civilization or women’s studies." –Library Journal

“When Women Ruled the World (or at least the Egyptian part of it) draws the reader into many less known aspects of ancient history with an informal prose and style for the general reader.”
–NY Journal of Books  

“To this very day, a majority of countries have never elected or appointed a female leader, and yet one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the ancient Egyptians, had several women take the role of pharaoh during their long history…Dr. Cooney breaks down the lessons our modern world might take from their examples.” –Houston Public Media

“Cleopatra may have ruled more than two thousand years ago, but her reign is still teaching Kara Cooney about the relationship between women and power today.”  –Daily Bruin

“…full of shadowy stories of murder, incest, political power plays and enough intrigue to satisfy even the most jaded reader.” –HoustonPress

"I loved the lens through which this book viewed these women, studying their reigns and characteristics to see why women don't rule the world more and pointing out reasons why they should. I loved that this book used both historical and current context when discussing the theme." - Ms. Nose in a Book
 
“This is a truly fascinating look at 6 queens of Egypt…Their stories are rich and it’s important that they not be forgotten. This book assures that a new generation will learn about them and keep their memories alive.” –Broken Teepee
 
“I believe the takeaway for us today is that women have ruled before, and women will rule again. It is only a matter of time.” –Literary Quicksand
 
“I was absolutely entranced by this book.” –A Chick Who Reads





 

About

This riveting paperback explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra, and shines a piercing light on perceptions of powerful women today.

Female rulers are a rare phenomenon--but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power-brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in male-dominated societies. Why did ancient Egypt provide women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today's world learn from its example?

In this captivating narrative, celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages--and why we should care.

Praise

“An accessible spin through the corridors of power in ancient Egypt, corridors that converged on thrones on which women reigned…Cooney provides welcome insights into pharaonic politics while bringing numerous little-known Egyptian women to the fore.” –Kirkus

“Although Cooney occasionally flirts with gender essentialism, this book shines as an introduction to ancient Egyptian society and beliefs centered around elite women's experiences.” –Booklist

“…this book breaks from trends in studies of ancient Egypt…Cooney discusses the women’s leadership…and speculates about what they must have experienced…her stories of these remarkable women…will enchant those wishing to imagine what ancient Egyptian court life was like.”
–Publishers Weekly 
 
"Not since Leonard Cottrell’s Lady of the Two Lands (1966) has such an engrossing, well-researched collective study of Egyptian power queens been available. Definitively recommended for anyone with an interest in ancient Egyptian civilization or women’s studies." –Library Journal

“When Women Ruled the World (or at least the Egyptian part of it) draws the reader into many less known aspects of ancient history with an informal prose and style for the general reader.”
–NY Journal of Books  

“To this very day, a majority of countries have never elected or appointed a female leader, and yet one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the ancient Egyptians, had several women take the role of pharaoh during their long history…Dr. Cooney breaks down the lessons our modern world might take from their examples.” –Houston Public Media

“Cleopatra may have ruled more than two thousand years ago, but her reign is still teaching Kara Cooney about the relationship between women and power today.”  –Daily Bruin

“…full of shadowy stories of murder, incest, political power plays and enough intrigue to satisfy even the most jaded reader.” –HoustonPress

"I loved the lens through which this book viewed these women, studying their reigns and characteristics to see why women don't rule the world more and pointing out reasons why they should. I loved that this book used both historical and current context when discussing the theme." - Ms. Nose in a Book
 
“This is a truly fascinating look at 6 queens of Egypt…Their stories are rich and it’s important that they not be forgotten. This book assures that a new generation will learn about them and keep their memories alive.” –Broken Teepee
 
“I believe the takeaway for us today is that women have ruled before, and women will rule again. It is only a matter of time.” –Literary Quicksand
 
“I was absolutely entranced by this book.” –A Chick Who Reads





 

Additional formats

Other Books by this Author

  • The Good Kings
    The Good Kings
    Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World
    Kara Cooney
    9781426221965
    $28.00 US
    Hardcover
    National Geographic
    Nov 02, 2021
  • The Good Kings
    The Good Kings
    Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World
    Kara Cooney
    9781426221965
    $28.00 US
    Hardcover
    National Geographic
    Nov 02, 2021

Related Articles

Holidays Nonfiction

Women’s History Month 2020

“Through hardship and strife and in every realm of life, women have spurred change in communities around the world, steadfastly joining together to overcome adversity and lead the charge for a fairer, more inclusive, and more progressive society.” (President Barack Obama, 2016)

These books by and about some of the strongest and most celebrated women in history are great options for Women’s History Month promotions.

Read more

Women’s History Month 2020

Holidays Nonfiction

Penguin Random House Backlist Vault

Penguin Random House Sales

Penguin Random House

Legal

Back to Top
0
    • 0
    Wish List (0)