Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals: 36 Great Women Before 1400

By: Joyce E. Salisbury, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Joyce E. Salisbury

Length: 17 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Throughout history, women have played integral roles in family, society, religion, government, war - in short, in all aspects of human civilization. Powerful women have shaped laws, led rebellions, and played key roles in dynastic struggles. Some were caught up in forces beyond their control, while others manipulated and murdered their way to the top. However, unearthing their stories from the historical record has been a challenge, with the ordinary difficulties of preserving information across the generations increased by centuries of historical bias and gendered expectations. Women, when they were mentioned at all, often filled the role of virtuous maiden, self-effacing mother, or seductive villain. Imagine what you are missing when only half the story is being told.

In Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals: 36 Great Women Before 1400, taught by Professor Emerita of Humanistic Studies Joyce E. Salisbury, you will experience another side of history, one that has often been overlooked. In these 36 lectures, women step out from the footnotes and sidebars of traditional history and into the spotlight, illuminating the dark corners of the pre-modern world along the way. From thwarted daughters and ambitious wives to fearless revolutionaries and brilliant philosophers, you will see how women have played diverse roles throughout history and why their influence is so vital to a fuller understanding of the world we live in today. Beginning at the start of the Roman Empire and carrying you through to the end of the Middle Ages, Professor Salisbury will introduce you to dozens of influential women from all across the globe.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC

Good but not Great

This book was interesting but relied a lot on supposition - "We can imagine...", "It's easy to believe..."
The author is clearly passionate about her subject but there are only so many times that a woman can be described as "remarkable" and her deeds "astonishing."
I didn't dislike the work and found myself looking up some additional history on the women discussed but I also found myself rolling my eyes at some hyperbolic descriptions of the often thinly documented accounts of some of their accomplishments.

Interesting and Informative

This was an excellent opportunity to learn about women who for the most part are left in the margins of HIStory.

My quibble is the same for most historians. Until you walk in their clothing you cannot comment on how comfortable or uncomfortable it could have been. Linen was the typical under shift because of its comfort against the skin and fairly ease of washing. Cotton wicks water. It can be a good or bad element depending on environment. Skirts are not necessarily cumbersome. Our ancestors were far more practical in their dress and this part of history is sadly neglected despite how much of the economy of a country is made up of clothing related industries.

Interesting histories

I enjoyed learning about these notable women, although I feel the lectures would be improved by spending less time talking about the men in their lives.

Terrific narration.

I was quite impressed with Ms. Salisbury’s strong voice. I have never heard of many of these ladies but each achieved recognition in their contribution to history.

I have already listened twice

Does that say enough? Just listen. Many women are featured with whom most of us are already familiar, but there are many more about which I was totally ignorant. I confess that because I listened at night, I often fell asleep. Would try to find where I last was the next time I took it but, but - in the end - I began again from the beginning and listened to it all in a long binge. Fabulous!

A good course which could be better

The author has a weird habit of referring to all civs which happen to be Muslim (Ottomans, Ummayads, Abbasids, Seljuks) as "the Muslims" she does not do this with Christian, Buddhist, or Confucian civs

Good course but more Eurocentric than I would have liked.

Wonderful!!!

I have been entertained.
I have learned.
So often the focus is only on “the villain” or the “heroic” and not the full spectrum; this series of lectures looks at women of all types, from across the world and they are shown against the backdrop of the time and history in which they lived - and shown how they influenced those around them, and on into the modern age.
Brilliant lectures, and instructor!

Excellent Course

The course delivers on its promise. We’re guided through the lives of 36 women in history, which provides the lens to understand the historical period each woman lived in. Ignore the 1-star reviews. I’ve listed to well over 30 Great Courses and this is a welcome addition to my collection.

Fascinating

I learned so much - both about better known historical figures and the lesser known women featured in this series. I would love to listen to a lecture series of courageous women from 1400 to now.

Interesting stories, great instructor!

I enjoyed hearing about women across ancient times who were able to impact not just their own lives but our lives too.