History & Biography
From monarchs to military heroes, notorious to unsung, we’ll feature biographies and research on women who history labelled dangerous.
Want to shine the spotlight on a dangerous woman from times gone past? See our submissions page for contribution guidelines.
‘Cleopatra of the Secession’
Did you know one of the most famous spies in the U.S. Civil War was a woman? Deb Hunter delves into the story of Belle Boyd: ‘La Belle Rebelle’.
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An independent spirit in an 8-litre Bentley: Carol Mary Langton King
Wendy Tibbitts takes us back to the racing days of a woman who supercharged early 20th century motorsport: Carol Mary Langton King.
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Remembering history’s midwives
Poppy O’Neill’s short story reminds us of the erased knowledge and expertise of historical midwives.
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More sinn’d against than sinning?
Catherine Hokin interrogates historical and literary interpretations of Margaret of Anjou to reclaim a 15th century queen ‘who knew exactly how dangerous to be’.
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The frustrating ambivalence of veiled (and unveiled) Algerian women in the decolonisation struggle
Paola Tenconi looks beyond first appearance to deconstruct the veil in Algerian colonial history.
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Celebrating transgressive celebrity
Film historian Victoria Duckett celebrates the dangerous career of 19th century actress Sarah Bernhardt.
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Was she a dangerous woman?
María Alonso Alonso reflects on one of the first female Spanish authors to publish under her own name – one of the leading figures of the ‘Rexurdimento’, a literary movement that aimed to liberate Galicia from its cultural and political ostracism.
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Gender politics in Ancient Hindu Epic Literature
Naomi Appleton argues that Draupadi’s challenging words and actions are a danger to patriarchy, a danger to societies that would present submission and silence as feminine ideals.
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Cheryl Smith explores the “sassy-brassy fab exotic friend” of her youth – a French teacher with a blonde wig and a fondness for the strap.
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