Heroines: The Bold, The Bad and The Beautiful was my first book, and one that I am still extremely fond of. It’s a collection of anecdotes, potted histories and tales about inspiring, inimitable and indomitable women from all walks of life. Fictional heroines rub shoulders with politicians, explorers and burlesque dancers, all illustrated by Matthew Rice. Along the way, contemporary women such as Jilly Cooper, Cherie Blair, Dame Judi Dench, Fern Britton and Jo Brand talk about the female role models who have inspired them.
Reader reviews:
“I really enjoyed this. It’s full of descriptions of fascinating women, grouped by category (eg “Spies and Secret Agents”, “Great Lovers”, “Artists and Aesthetes”). Lots of juicy titbits and celebrity contributions. There’s nothing “worthy” about it- the first entry in the book is Jordan/Katie Price- and not everyone included could be said to be someone to emulate (Diana and Unity Mitford make it in, as well as their more palatable sisters) but everyone included is worth reading about. Would make a great present for female friends and relatives.”
“Perfect for dipping into and packed full of fascinating facts.”
“An enjoyable and thought-provoking read – a compilation of the good and the great, from household names to the lesser known. Written in a lively style, this book provides a detailed description of influential women who have made their mark over the years – from Cleopatra to Jordan. This is punctuated by input from current popular celebrities, who name their favourite heroines. A perfect source of inspiration for selecting further biographies to read.”
