Key Takeaways
1. Jenni Murray's Personal Journey Shapes Her Selection of Influential Women
"I have no doubt she died with the convictions from which she had never wavered."
Personal connection: Jenni Murray's selection of influential women is deeply personal, reflecting her own experiences and values. As a prominent broadcaster and feminist, she brings a unique perspective to her choices, often highlighting women who challenged societal norms and fought for equality.
Diverse representation: Murray's selections span various fields, including politics, arts, sciences, and activism. She deliberately includes women from different cultures, ethnicities, and time periods, showcasing the universal struggle and triumph of women throughout history.
Emphasis on resilience: A common thread among Murray's chosen women is their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether overcoming personal tragedies, societal barriers, or political oppression, these women's stories serve as inspiration for readers to persist in their own struggles.
2. Ancient Female Leaders Defied Gender Norms and Left Lasting Legacies
"I was one of those women", she said, "who believe it is always the fault of the husband if he is not loved, for in truth I would have loved mine very much, if it had been possible to do so, and if he had the kindness to want it..."
Pharaoh Hatshepsut: Egypt's first female pharaoh, ruled as a man and left a legacy of peace and prosperity.
- Dressed and portrayed herself as male to legitimize her rule
- Oversaw significant building projects and trade expeditions
Joan of Arc: A teenage peasant girl who led French armies and became a national hero.
- Claimed divine guidance and inspired troops to victory
- Executed for heresy but later canonized as a saint
Isabella of Castile: Unified Spain and funded Christopher Columbus's voyages.
- Played a key role in the Reconquista of Spain from Muslim rule
- Controversial figure due to her role in the Spanish Inquisition
3. Renaissance and Enlightenment Women Broke Barriers in Art and Science
"There have been two great accidents in my life. One was the trolley, and the other was Diego. Diego was by far the worst."
Artemisia Gentileschi: Pioneering Italian Baroque painter who overcame personal trauma to achieve success in a male-dominated field.
- One of the first women admitted to Florence's prestigious art academy
- Known for powerful depictions of biblical and mythological women
Catherine the Great: Enlightened despot who modernized Russia and expanded its territory.
- Seized power from her husband and ruled for 34 years
- Patron of the arts and supporter of education reforms
Clara Schumann: Renowned pianist and composer who balanced career and family life.
- Child prodigy who became one of Europe's most famous pianists
- Struggled with societal expectations of women in music
4. 19th and Early 20th Century Pioneers Fought for Women's Rights and Education
"Nothing makes a woman look older than obvious expensiveness, ornateness, complication."
Marie Curie: Groundbreaking physicist and chemist who won two Nobel Prizes.
- Discovered radioactivity and new elements
- Faced discrimination but persevered in her scientific pursuits
Coco Chanel: Revolutionary fashion designer who liberated women's clothing.
- Introduced comfortable, practical styles for women
- Built a fashion empire and became a cultural icon
Emmeline Pankhurst: British suffragette who fought for women's right to vote.
- Led militant campaigns for women's suffrage
- Helped secure voting rights for British women over 30 in 1918
5. World War II Era Women Shattered Glass Ceilings in Politics and Literature
"If I create that perception, then I take responsibility. I don't view myself as cold or unemotional and neither do my friends. And neither does my family."
Simone de Beauvoir: French existentialist philosopher and feminist theorist.
- Wrote "The Second Sex," a foundational text of modern feminism
- Challenged traditional notions of gender roles and female identity
Golda Meir: Israel's first and only female prime minister.
- Led Israel during tumultuous times, including the Yom Kippur War
- Known for her pragmatic approach to politics and diplomacy
Virginia Woolf: Modernist writer who explored women's experiences and mental health.
- Pioneered stream-of-consciousness narrative technique
- Advocated for women's education and financial independence
6. Late 20th Century Trailblazers Advanced Women's Causes Globally
"I think the history of African Americans has been ill thought through and probably not properly imagined. Well documented, but not well imagined."
Toni Morrison: Nobel Prize-winning author who gave voice to the African American experience.
- First African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature
- Explored themes of identity, race, and history in her novels
Wangari Maathai: Kenyan environmental activist and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Founded the Green Belt Movement, which planted millions of trees
- Advocated for democracy, women's rights, and environmental conservation
Benazir Bhutto: First woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
- Fought for democracy and women's rights in a conservative society
- Assassinated in 2007, but left a lasting impact on Pakistani politics
7. Contemporary Female Icons Continue to Challenge Societal Expectations
"I feel most strongly the home is a woman's foremost place of work and influence, and, looking after her children and husband, duties of the highest importance. But women also have their vital role in civic life, they owe a duty to their country, a duty which cannot, must not, be shirked."
Hillary Clinton: Former U.S. Secretary of State and first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. party.
- Advocate for women's rights and healthcare reform
- Faced criticism and scrutiny throughout her political career
Angela Merkel: Germany's first female chancellor and de facto leader of the European Union.
- Known for her pragmatic leadership style and crisis management
- Guided Germany through economic challenges and refugee crises
Madonna: Iconic pop star who pushed boundaries in music and popular culture.
- Challenged societal norms around sexuality and female empowerment
- Reinvented herself multiple times throughout her career
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Review Summary
A History of the World in 21 Women receives mixed reviews. Many praise its interesting selection of women and accessible writing style, though some criticize Murray's personal anecdotes and lack of critical analysis. Readers appreciate learning about lesser-known historical figures but note omissions from certain regions. The book is lauded for its diverse representation and inspiring stories, but criticized for occasionally reinforcing stereotypes. Some reviewers take issue with Murray's views on feminism and transgender issues. Overall, it's seen as an engaging introduction to influential women throughout history, despite its flaws.