In the past few years it has become easier to learn about the forgotten people in history – African-Americans, Native Americans, women and others. Thanks to modern multimedia technology and more exposure to other cultures history is no longer "written by the winners". One publishing house that has produced some wonderful books focusing on famous, infamous and should've been famous women throughout history is Conari Press. Even the titles of these books are intriguing – Hell's Belles, Wild Women, Wild Women in the White House, Wild Women in the Kitchen, Uppity Women in Ancient Times, Uppity Women in Medieval Times, Uppity Women of the Renaissance, Sheroes, and Goddess in the Kitchen. There are also 2 wonderful coloring books published by Bellerophon entitled Famous Woman and Infamous Women. Each of these books is chock full of pithy and interesting tidbit about the women lost to traditional history books. You'll learn about such characters as Frances Howard who was so ambitious and self-centered that she poisoned a man (as well are re-virginizing herself) in order to marry the man she desired. Lucrezia Borgia has become infamous throughout history as a black widow poisoning her hapless mates as well as having incestuous relations with her father, brother, etc. In reality she seems to be a lonely woman seeking love in all the wrong places and cursed with a family who enjoyed intrigue. Read about Pope Joan – the legendary female Pope who was stoned to death after giving birth during a procession.
You will know some of the women mentioned, such as Hildegard of Bingen. While others will be totally unfamiliar. Even if you think you'll know these women I think you'll find some bit of information you never knew before. This page is going to focus on honoring some of these women lost to us through the mists of time. I anyone would like to share a story about a female relative they feel qualifies as uppity, wild, infamous or a Hell's belle please send me their name and story. I'd love to read them and share them with others.
Wild Woman Archives
| Cleopatra | |||
| Charlotte Guillard | |||
Information on these pages were found in the books Wild Women by Autumn Stephens, Uppity Women of Ancient Times, Uppity Women of Medieval Times and Uppity Women of the Renaissance by Vicki Leon; and The Women's Chronology by James Trager.
