Overview

What does it mean to be a woman who dares to challenge the status quo? Whether by wielding power in patriarchal societies or rallying for peace, fighting for change has always put women in danger, but also led to remarkable stories of resistance. Gathering 46 stories from writers around the globe, this collection explores the twin themes of women and daring through the lives of monarchs, prophets, suffragists, soldiers, scientists, activists and artists. From the infamous to the forgotten, these trailblazers have much to tell us about the dynamics, conflicts, identities and power relations with which women live today.

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9781399549431

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Reviews

The long line of rebellious, outspoken and daring women gathered in this anthology transforms the meaning of the word 'dangerous' from its fear-laden connotation into necessary audacity. These numerous essays across times, places and perspectives also illuminate that to write is to disrupt, and these women have all done precisely that.--Bhakti Shringarpure, editor, Insurgent Feminisms: Writing War The pieces in this collection are not only intensely readable, they are extremely moving. Here we have fascinating glimpses into the lives of courageous and remarkable women who, often in the face of adversity, have fought for justice and a whole lot of other important values.--Sir Alexander McCall Smith, novelist

This book brings vital attention to the incredible women that have pushed boundaries and improved humanity whether through political, creative, intellectual or societal contributions. Congratulations to Ben Fletcher-Watson and Jo Shaw for editing such a unique and important collection.--Devi Sridhar, Professor of Global Public Health, University of Edinburgh This is a book we all need to read. Though few of them are household names, each and every one of the nearly fifty women portrayed here, from an Egyptian pharaoh to Lancashire 'witches', from a Croatian investigative journalist to an Indian independence activist is at the heart of an exceptional story. Many of them, through their courage and defiance made the world a better place.--Catriona Seth, Marshal Foch Professor of French Literature, University of Oxford The long line of rebellious, outspoken and daring women gathered in this anthology transforms the meaning of the word 'dangerous' from its fear-laden connotation into necessary audacity. These numerous essays across times, places and perspectives also illuminate that to write is to disrupt, and these women have all done precisely that.--Bhakti Shringarpure, editor, Insurgent Feminisms: Writing War The pieces in this collection are not only intensely readable, they are extremely moving. Here we have fascinating glimpses into the lives of courageous and remarkable women who, often in the face of adversity, have fought for justice and a whole lot of other important values.--Sir Alexander McCall Smith, novelist

The long line of rebellious, outspoken and daring women gathered in this anthology transforms the meaning of the word 'dangerous' from its fear-laden connotation into necessary audacity. These numerous essays across times, places and perspectives also illuminate that to write is to disrupt, and these women have all done precisely that. -- Bhakti Shringarpure, editor, Insurgent Feminisms: Writing War The pieces in this collection are not only intensely readable, they are extremely moving. Here we have fascinating glimpses into the lives of courageous and remarkable women who, often in the face of adversity, have fought for justice and a whole lot of other important values. -- Sir Alexander McCall Smith, novelist This is a book we all need to read. Though few of them are household names, each and every one of the nearly fifty women portrayed here, from an Egyptian pharaoh to Lancashire ‘witches’, from a Croatian investigative journalist to an Indian independence activist is at the heart of an exceptional story. Many of them, through their courage and defiance made the world a better place. -- Catriona Seth, Marshal Foch Professor of French Literature, University of Oxford This book brings vital attention to the incredible women that have pushed boundaries and improved humanity whether through political, creative, intellectual or societal contributions. Congratulations to Ben Fletcher-Watson and Jo Shaw for editing such a unique and important collection. -- Devi Sridhar, Professor of Global Public Health, University of Edinburgh This important collection of subversive cis-women’s biographies joins its predecessors from the Dangerous Women Project to remind us that danger and deviance are conflated categories that are used to further isolate those we do not wish to understand. As we consider contestations in current gender equality debates, there are essential parallels here that illustrate how violence is a living and reinforcing mechanism that histories consistently warn us about and give clues to help abate. -- Swethaa Ballakrishnen, University of California, Irvine. Women Who Dared shines a lantern-beam on the forgotten, occluded or misrepresented histories of 'dangerous' women—activists, creatives, visionaries, intellectuals and leaders — from Ancient Egypt to the contemporary era. A compelling, inspirational (and occasionally heart-rending) read that makes a resounding case for bringing a more inclusive perspective on the past into our present moment. -- Leith Davis, Simon Fraser University

Author Information

Ben Fletcher-Watson is the Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh. Jo Shaw is the Head of the School of Law, Salvesen Chair of European Institutions. Sara Sheridan is Scottish activist and writer.

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