Some were feisty and fiery. Others were cool and dangerous. All were incredibly courageous. Outrageous Women of The Middle Ages took on the challenge of their world--and didn't worry about ruffling a few feathers. Among the outrageous women you'll meet are: * Eleanor of Aquitaine--queen of France and later England, she led a group of women on the Second Crusade and created her own financial system * Lady Murasaki Shikibu--besides being a wife and mother, she learned the "forbidden" language of Chinese and wrote the world's first novel * Aud the Deep-Minded--a Viking wise woman and explorer who led her clan, grandchildren and all, on a risky voyage from Scotland to Iceland * Hildegarde of Bingen--the German nun who, late in life, became a composer, a botanist, and founded convents * Damia al-Kahina--a nomadic freedom fighter, skilled at peacemaking and war, who kept her North African homeland free

This guide to the feisty women of medieval times profiles 200 of these fair and unfair damsels from around the world. There's English rose Hilda of Whitby, Viking leader Aud the Deep-Minded and Wu Zhao of China, who chose to concubine, connive, murder and machiavelli her way to a 50 year reign.

Fabulous true stories of the most amazing women in history. They were cool and courageous, self–reliant and sharp–witted, daring and determined. They were the exciting, inspiring, and totally Outrageous Women of the Renaissance. These remarkable women forged their own paths, made their own rules––and rocked the world! Among the outrageous women you′ll meet are: ∗ Joan of Arc––the bold warrior who at age 17 became commander–in–chief of the French army and led her country′s charge against the invading English. ∗ Elisabetta Sirani––the lightning–quick painter who opened an all–female art school and became an international sensation. ∗ Grace O′Malley––the mother of three who ruled the high seas as Ireland′s pirate queen and freedom fighter. ∗ Christina of Sweden––the eccentric Swedish monarch who awakened her country to the wonders of Renaissance art, science, and literature. ∗ Gracia Mendes Nasi––the Spanish humanitarian and philanthropist whose "underground railroad" saved the lives of countless persecuted Jews.

Recounts the stories of bold, notorious, or successful women in such early cultures as ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, and China

Piquant and witty collection excavates 200 pyramid-builders, poets, poisoners, physicians, power brokers and panderers of ancient times.

Presents facts on the structure of feudal society, showing how people lived and worked, and major events of the time such as religious persecution and the crusades.

A "lively and engaging" history of the Middle Ages (Dallas Morning News) from the acclaimed historian William Manchester, author of The Last Lion. From tales of chivalrous knights to the barbarity of trial by ordeal, no era has been a greater source of awe, horror, and wonder than the Middle Ages. In handsomely crafted prose, and with the grace and authority of his extraordinary gift for narrative history, William Manchester leads us from a civilization tottering on the brink of collapse to the grandeur of its rebirth: the dense explosion of energy that spawned some of history's greatest poets, philosophers, painters, adventurers, and reformers, as well as some of its most spectacular villains. "Manchester provides easy access to a fascinating age when our modern mentality was just being born." --Chicago Tribune