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Femina

A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It

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Femina

By: Janina Ramirez
Narrated by: Janina Ramirez
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Extraordinary women have held positions of power throughout history. But, aside from the select few, why do we not hear about them?

The middle ages are seen as a bloodthirsty time of Vikings, Saints and Kings: a patriarchal society that oppressed and excluded women. But by digging a little deeper into the truth, drawing on evidence from all disciplines, we can see that the 'dark' ages were anything but. BBC historian Janina Ramirez has uncovered countless influential women's names struck out of historical records, with the word femina annotated beside them. Male gatekeepers of the past ordered books to be burnt, artworks to be destroyed, and new versions of myths, legends and historical documents to be produced, which has manipulated our view of history.

By weaving a vivid and evocative picture of the lives of the women who influenced their society, we discover not just why these remarkable individuals were removed from our collective memories, but also how many other misconceptions underpin our historical narratives, altering the course of history, upholding the oppressive masculine structures of their present, and affecting our contemporary view of the past.

©2022 Janina Ramirez (P)2022 Penguin Audio Europe Gender Studies Medieval Social Sciences Women Thought-Provoking Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant  
I really enjoyed this book, a great opportunity to relook at history. I also enjoyed the narration, however, I felt the speed of the reading is a bit fast as there is a lot to digest.
Overall recommend!

Very interesting

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very interesting and well researched. I learnt new 'female' facts which until now were silent. well worth a listen

fascinating stuff

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This is a fascinating snap shot of women's lives in history. I enjoyed it thoroughly

Great read and revelatory

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From the suffragette and medievalist Emily Wilding Davison, to Hildegard of Bingen, to the Cathars, to Jadwiga of Poland, to Margery Kempe, to Eleanor Rykener among many others.

Femina gives the women of the medieval age the voice to the modern world they deserve. Spanning time, race, Christian sects, class, and gender identity.

Very readable, totally well read again and soon!

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I must hold my hands up and admit to being a huge fan of the author’s TV work. This is the first audiobook of hers that I’ve listened to, and it does not disappoint. I’ve learned about many historical figures that are entirely new to me, and have new perspectives on more familiar ones. I would really recommend this audiobook.

Enthralling and insightful. A history for our time.

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I’m often looking for medieval books on women and this really hit the mark. Great to have such enthusiastic researchers such as Ramirez spending their valuable time on trying to bring the lives of women and other underrepresented individuals to the fore. Highly recommended.

Redressing the balance

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I've learned so much listening to this book, revisiting some historical figures I knew of and introducing me to others I've never come across before. Ramirez's in depth guide to medieval life,l through a seldom used lens categorised by role and society gives a fascinating cross section view of the middle ages and has deeply enriched my understanding of the medieval world. The underlying message of valuing learning and investigation using resources available will no doubt encourage the next generation of archaeologists and historians. If you are interested in medieval Europe I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Phenomenal Book!

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Meticulously and comprehensively researched, Ramirez's book provides the reader with a formerly neglected aspect of the Middle Ages without a shade of confirmation bias.
Entertainingly written and read over by the author at the right pace, she has fundamentally changed my perspective. I am far better informed and feel urged to tell others of her findings and recommend the work.
My sight has diminished much so that now in my eighties I cannot read for ver long. I am grateful that Femina is available in Audible.

Fresh and informative

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Probably one of the best history books I have read/listened to in a long time. The author is an excellent and level-headed modern historian with an engaging style. Dr Ramirez leads the reader into each topic by providing clear evidence of the relevance of those gone before us to today and how modern scholarship and reinterpretation can shine a new/different light on former discoveries.
I will definitely recommend this book to friends and family.

Excellent and level-headed

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Illuminating, by enthusiastically read scholar Ramirez. She obviously has a passion for the Middle Ages and I learnt a lot in this book from historian Janina Ramirez. Very good to learn about some previously unknown names.

Very illuminating

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