“Discusses some of the female pharaohs who led this powerful and legendary civilization. From Hatshepsut to Nefertiti and Cleopatra, Cooney manages to synthesize modern perceptions of womanhood and femininity with those of ancient Egypt and what feels like our eternal struggle to put women in positions of power.” Audible.com
Description
This riveting narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra—women who ruled with real power—and shines a piercing light on our own perceptions of women in power today.
Female rulers are a rare phenomenon—but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power-brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in a male-dominated society. What was so special about ancient Egypt that provided women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today’s world learn from its example?
Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages, and why we should care.
Praise
“Discusses some of the female pharaohs who led this powerful and legendary civilization. From Hatshepsut to Nefertiti and Cleopatra, Cooney manages to synthesize modern perceptions of womanhood and femininity with those of ancient Egypt and what feels like our eternal struggle to put women in positions of power.” Audible.com
“This book shines as an introduction to ancient Egyptian society and beliefs centered around elite women’s experiences.” Booklist
“Cooney provides welcome insights into pharaonic politics while bringing numerous little-known Egyptian women to the fore.” Kirkus Reviews
“An engrossing, well-researched collective study of Egyptian power queens…Definitively recommended.” Library Journal
“Fascinating…Condenses a wealth of specific information into a readable, engrossing format. Cooney creates an effective narrative of political machinations, incest, murder, and deception that will intrigue adults and teenagers, especially given the young age of the queens represented.” School Library Journal
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Nov 29, 2018 |
| Release Date | November 30, 2018 |
| Release Date Machine | 1543536000 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | History, Politics & Social Sciences, Social Sciences, Ancient History, Women, Nonfiction - Adult, Nonfiction - All |
Author Bio
Kara Cooney is an associate professor of Egyptian art and architecture at UCLA in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. In 2005, she was co-curator of Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Cooney produced a comparative archaeology series with her husband, Neil Crawford, entitled Out of Egypt, which aired on the Discovery Channel and is streaming on Netflix.
Narrator Bio
Kara Cooney is an associate professor of Egyptian art and architecture at UCLA in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. In 2005, she was co-curator of Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Cooney produced a comparative archaeology series with her husband, Neil Crawford, entitled Out of Egypt, which aired on the Discovery Channel and is streaming on Netflix.
Overview
This riveting narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra—women who ruled with real power—and shines a piercing light on our own perceptions of women in power today.
Female rulers are a rare phenomenon—but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power-brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in a male-dominated society. What was so special about ancient Egypt that provided women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today’s world learn from its example?
Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages, and why we should care.
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