HERstory: 10 Books About Overlooked Women of History

Most of us are familiar with the story of Henry VIII and his tragic wives. But in this authoritative biography, discover more about the little-known Catherine Howard, Henry’s teenaged fifth wife. A captivating look at the complicated politics of being a young woman in sixteenth-century court life, YOUNG AND DAMNED AND FAIR is a sympathetic and gripping work of research.

Though her name is mostly known from the famous painting of her, the true story of Adele Bloch-Bauer is incredibly fascinating. In this dazzling novel that whisks you to early-twentieth-century Vienna, a young socialite meets the painter Gustav Klimt, and her life changes forever. Forty years later, her niece must save her aunt’s legacy in the rising face of Nazism.

The Wars of the Roses were a significant series of civil wars that changed British history and in this extraordinary work of nonfiction, New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory and two historians weave unforgettable essays on three largely overlooked royal women who were involved. Richly illustrated, this is the perfect companion to fans of Gregory’s lyrical novels.

Bringing new light to the First Family of the United States, NEVER CAUGHT is the unforgettable true story of Ona Judge, a slave of George and Martha Washington who risked it all to be free. With engrossing research and compelling writing, this is an eye-opening exploration of slavery in the early days of the United States and the intense perseverance of one woman’s journey to freedom.

Though not as well known today as her more famous father and cousins, Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a beloved and often infamous celebrity in her time. In this enchanting and evocative novel, President Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter charms and shocks Washington, DC, with her unconventional independence. From love affairs to engaging in politics, Alice is a remarkable figure that you won’t soon forget.

This passionate and outstanding work of investigative journalism explores twentieth-century medicine, race, ethics, and justice. More than simply a biography of the woman who unknowingly helped change medical research forever, this modern classic is fascinating, moving, and eye-opening. No matter your background in science or medicine, THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS will grip you from the very first page.

A fast-paced adventure of medieval England during the Norman Conquest, THE HANDFASTED WIFE follows Edith Swanneck, an Anglo-Saxon queen, as she works to ensure her and her children’s future in an uncertain world. Between bloody battles and complex politics, this is a riveting tale that will leave you breathless.

An insightful and lively biography on a complex and brilliant woman, THE CIVIL WARS OF JULIA WARD HOWE follows the life and times of the pioneering activist and writer of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” With the pacing of a novel, this masterful work sheds light on sex, race, politics, and power in the nineteenth century.

We’ve all heard of America Earhart, but in Laurie Notaro’s page-turning novel, learn all about three little-known female aviators and their intense desire to be the first woman to cross the Atlantic. Featuring photographs of these remarkable women and authentic prose, CROSSING THE HORIZON will have you soaring.

A timely and authoritative celebration of Alice Paul, the suffragist and writer of the Equal Rights Amendment, this nonfiction book explores one of the most crucial moments in American women’s history: the fight for women’s suffrage. A compelling read as inspiring as the heroine it depicts.