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Women have long have been portrayed as sitting on the sidelines of history. Now 150 biographic sketches shed new light on such familiar figures as the Bronte sisters and Clara Barton, while revealing the rarely studied yet remarkable achievements of women warriors. Historical essays place these women in the context of their times, while sidebars highlight women's wit, wisdom, and inventions on all frontiers, from science to fashion.

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Publishers Weekly Review

Ranging from an ancient Egyptian ruler (Queen Hatshepsut) to a contemporary athlete (Billie Jean King), these highly readable thumbnail sketches cover areas from literature to politics, fashion to aviation, music to science. The 120 entries offer concise overviews of specific women's lives and accomplishments, with a thoughtful blend of professional and personal details. In addition to often-profiled figures (Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt), the collection also includes less well known but influential women like the seventh-century Chinese ruler Wu Chao and Vietnamese activist Nguyen Thi Binh. The team of nine women authors (including Ashby and Ohrn) employs a conversational tone that encourages leisurely browsing. Many selections are prefaced with a revealing excerpt from the subject's writings, and each is accompanied by a photograph or artistic likeness. Ages 10-up. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

The 120 biographies collected here are intended to be representative of the many women whose lives have had an impact on the world. Women of all times, places, and professions are treated. Coeditors Ashby and Ohrn have written many books for young adults (this one is targeted for ages 10 and up) and admirably do justice to the topic and audience. The book is divided into three periods: "The Dawn: Prehistory to 1750" ; "From Revolution to Revolution: 1750 to 1850" ; and "The Global Community: 1890 to the Present." Each section has an introduction by Ashby (who also wrote a majority of the entries) that summarizes the typical life of women and the status of women's rights in the period. Each two-page biography begins with a quote by or about the woman and includes a black-and-white portrait. The entry summarizes the woman's life and her influence. Sidebars either explain a detail about women's lives (footbinding, women and slavery) or provide information about another influential woman (Isadora Duncan in the entry on Martha Graham) or excerpts from work (Sappho, Zora Neal Hurston). To illustrate the wide variety of time periods, nations, and professions represented, other biographees include Sultana Razia, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Sacajawea, Lakshmi Bai, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, Queen Liliuokalana, Anna Pavlova, Wilma Rudolph, Wilma Mankiller, and Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams. There is a nice balance between well-known and relatively unknown women. The book ends with a bibliography; books suggested for further reading are indicated by an asterisk. There are three indexes: geographic, alphabetical and occupational. They list only the biographees, not other names that may appear in entries, and use only the name used for the entry, not alternatives (e.g., Didrikson, Mildred "Babe" rather than Zaharias). Detailed indexing would make this book more useful, but lack of it does not take away from its ultimate value. This is an excellent choice for young adult collections in middle and high schools and public libraries. Its price and content put it on the A list for purchase. (Reviewed Oct. 1, 1995)