Putting the Women Back into Roman History
Emma Southon is an ancient historian who also works as Bookshop Manager at Waterstones. She is the author of Agrippina: Empress, Exile, Hustler, Whore, a Best Book of the Year for the New Statesman, and A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Armed with a PhD in Ancient History, she also co-hosts the History is Sexy podcast. She lives in Belfast, with her cat Livia, and tweets @NuclearTeeth. www.emmasouthon.com
'Hugely entertaining and illuminating... Emma Southon brilliantly
walks the line between humour and heartbreak, never shying away
from the brutality some of the women endured, yet doing so with the
lightest touch and managing to keep their humanity always in
focus.' —Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den
‘Southon gives a fresh sense of Roman civilization... She presents
ordinary, “small” lives as extraordinary… This is not just a book
about the lives of historical women, but one about the history of
womanhood… delightful… Southon’s book is a testament to those who
were determined not to be left voiceless.’ —TLS
'The women in Southon’s book are nuanced, fearless and thanks to
Southon's brilliant storytelling, unforgettable: ambitious
kingmakers, charming courtesans, political actors, brave survivors
and proud poets. Funny, original and often moving, this is exactly
the type of book I wish I could have read when I was younger.'
—Costanza Casati, author of Clytemnestra
'A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women is a fantastic
read. It is sparkling, irreverent and entertaining... Where was
Emma Southon when I studied Roman history!?' —Laura Shepperson,
author of The Heroines
'A fresh perspective. Following the lives of 21 women from across
Rome and its territories, Southon rollicks through the empire we
thought we knew so well.' —Idler
'[A] lively, alternative history… Southon makes the important point
that women have often been erased from Roman history… And Southon
reminds us of all the behind-the-scenes diplomacy employed by women
related to powerful men in order to further their own and their
family's interests, which rarely gets mentioned or properly
credited… Roman women have always been there – we must now ensure
their stories sing out.' —BBC History
'Emma Southon is a truly original voice in popular historical
writing. She has this amazing ability to take everything you
thought you knew about Roman history, turn it upside down, reorient
it, and show it to you anew, all the while making you laugh
uproariously because she is, frankly, hilarious. A History of the
Roman Empire in 21 Women is the history book I didn’t know I needed
but I now find indispensable – an instant classic.' —Jane Draycott,
author of Cleopatra's Daughter
‘An utter delight to read, full of humour and hugely informative. I
loved immersing myself in the lives of so many fascinating women,
including one of my favourites from Pompeii. I challenge you not to
think of the Roman Empire daily after reading it!’ —Historia
Magazine
'A whip-smart and revelatory read. Emma Southon brings us "the
story of Rome as told through women" – women like a
priestess, a businesswoman, and a poet; women who were queens,
rebels, scapegoats, and survivors. This is the history you didn’t
know you needed from a writer who should be on everyone’s radar.'
—Shelley Puhak, author of The Dark Queens
'A fun and jocular guide.' —ARGO
'With laugh-out-loud humor, Southon not only shares the stories of
these women but also delivers valid critiques of existing histories
and biased sources. Clever, bold, and refreshingly feminist;
readers will be engaged and entertained to the very end. This book
deserves a home on library shelves to balance patriarchal
nonfiction collections. More histories like this are needed.'
—Booklist
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