Ten Queens: Portraits of Women of Power
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Book Overview
Powerful female rulers interpreted in striking words and paintingsFrom the courage and beauty of Esther to the reforming spirit of Catherine the Great. here are essays about ten queens by an author who has been called "arguably the best writer of social history for children and adolescents ever". Meltzer, by his own description, is accustomed to presenting history "from the bottom up", but he takes a "top down" approach for these monarchs, revealing the personal and political natures of women who commanded power not because "they happened to marry a king" but because they "ruled in their own right, by themselves. Or if they sat on thrones beside kings, they had as much or more to say about governing than their husbands".Most were, by today's standards, astonishingly young. Many were physically powerful, accomplished women. Some were schooled to rule, others not. But all were ambitious, passionate, and determined to hold power. All were subject to suspicion and envy. And all, in their successes and failures, ideals and compromises, assumptions and privileges, present interesting contrasts with the lives of women today.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0525456430
ISBN13:9780525456438
Release Date:May 1998
Publisher:Dutton Books
Length:134 Pages
Weight:2.02 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 9.5" x 11.5"
Age Range:12 years and up
Grade Range:Grades 7 to 12
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Well laid out book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I enjoy reading stories of women from pre-history to modern times so this one intrigued me, even though it was written for younger readers. This was a well laid-out book overviewing queens. Sequentially, it went from oldest to newest and spanned queens from 5th century A.D. to the 1700's. Each were from a different place and culture. This book was well researched and was easy to read. The illustrations were done well, giving it an air of mystery, romance and dignity. It's one that I'll keep on my shelves to reference when I want a quick, easy to read overview.
Great for little girls
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I found this book at the library by chance. I was looking for a more books about Queen Elizabeth I. This book is a great introduction to women in history. It is easy enough for my then 8 year old to read for the Texas Reader's club. I am definitely checking it out for my 7 yr to use for her TX Reader's club requirements.
Very, Very Good!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I checked "Ten Queens" out from my local library to brush up on my reading of some of my favorite historical figures of all time- Cleopatra VII and Eleanor of Acquitaine.While the book shed great light on two of the most famous women in all of ancient/medieval history, the author also brought to light lesser known queens. All of a sudden, I have a great respect for the fearless Zenobia, the corageous Boudicca, and, of course, the Biblical Esther. He has done an oustanding job of researching all of the queens and presenting them all in a favorable light (though let's not forget Christina's hypocritical ways, Cleopatra's love affairs, and Catherine the Great's promiscuity- for history's sake). All in all, a great book worth the money.
Broad based overview of Queens makes excellent reading.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
My nine year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed this overview of famous women rulers from ancient times to the 18th century.
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