When Women Ruled the World Audiobook By Kara Cooney cover art

When Women Ruled the World

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When Women Ruled the World

By: Kara Cooney
Narrated by: Kara Cooney
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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.

©2018 Kara Cooney (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ancient Egypt Gender Studies Historical Middle East Social Sciences Women Africa Pharaoh Ancient Egypt Inspiring Royalty World History

Editorial Review

A feminist take on ancient Egypt

I won't lie, there was a point in my life where I dreamed about becoming an Egyptologist. And with so much history to explore, there's still a part of me with an insatiable appetite for more. For another layer of interest, Kara Cooney adds a touch of women's history as she 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—combining two of my favorite histories. —Michael C., Audible Editor

Fascinating Historical Accounts • Engaging Storytelling Approach • Engaging Narration • Captivating Female Perspectives
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Emphasis on Feminism.

I bought this book because I love Egypt, and as a feminist woman myself, am very interested in its queens. For someone who is not formally educated in ancient history such as myself, it was an interesting look on the past and the few instances of female empowerment within it.

However.

I believe rather than write a factual and informative book about Egyptian queens, she seeks more to make a modern political statement more than anything. Trump and Clinton make frequent appearances, taking up almost as much time and emphasis as its titular queens, and thoroughly infects what could be a fascinating and enlightening look on ancient women.

After finishing this book and doing some more research on the source material, there are some factual errors regarding some numbers and figures. The author admittingly puts a very positive spin on each queen and almost always attributes their failings to men or external factors. Whether or not this is the case, as the author also says, perhaps we will never truly know.

Its epilogue is also an interesting addition, though it makes what has otherwise been a book of history on ancient women into something more like a very long feminist essay. It has interesting thoughts, but our modern outlook on feminism did not exist in the ancient world and looking at it through our modern moral and societal lens distorts it and what truths we do know about it considerably.

While not 100% accurate and quite political, I still found this book an entertaining and informative entry for the history lay-woman to ancient egyptian queens. My only recommendation to those looking to enjoy this book despite its political leanings and slight inaccuracies is to use this as a stepping stone into further learning of ancient Egypt rather than taking it purely at face-value.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, however, I would definitely warn readers of its politics and its inaccuracies and offer further reading on its subjects.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes and no, despite sharing similar views to the author, I felt the inclusion of modern politics distracted from the queens and their fascinating history. I wanted to hear less about Clinton and Trump.

A Thoroughly Feminist Review of Ancient Egypt

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I've listened to this book several times, and get something unique from it with each listen. Cooney is widely respected in her field for good reason, and it shows in this book. Her work is well researched and shines a strong light on the importance of the leadership of women in Egypt.

For hundreds of years only the male side of leadership was featured in books, and Cooney turns that on its head in a way that makes for an entertaining listen. While this won't be a good read for anyone easily offended by female power, for the rest of us it's well worth the listen.

Cooney brings to this book what she brings to her college lectures and documentaries, amazing storytelling by a modern woman. We need more of it.

Amazing book! Well researched and presented.

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I was not a fan. It’s more for someone with a more feminist point of view than myself.

Not my type of book

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Great information I thoroughly enjoyed! Didn’t know a lot of the information provided! Great job ms Cooney

Very informative as well as interesting!

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well written,except for the blatant feminist agenda. The actual information included however was quite good.

too much modern political agenda

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Kara Cooney is brilliant, captivating, empowering and this book is amazing! Not only informative but thought provoking and offers a really interesting insight and perspective on a largely patriachly society and a womans role in it.

AMAZING

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A tremendous overview of several powerful ancient queens. Cooney's engaging recitation matches the intrigue of her writing.

An Excellent Look at Powerful Ancient Women

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Listening to this audiobook while doing my every day chores felt like a great companion to me! It was so cool to hear the stories and history of several Female Egyptian important female rulers … read by the author herself! I felt so smart and proud of myself that I was able to follow along … on a topic that is currently discussed in classes at UC Berkeley where Kara Cooney teaches. An absolute joy to have experienced! Thank you

A Timely Read

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I ordered this book to learn about Nefertiti before I attend a museum exhibit later this month. I was engrossed in all the Women discussed in this book and learned so much! Kara is a good narrator and her ties to current events are thought provoking! I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys learning about ancient history especially about women and how it ties to our current world!

Fascinating Read!

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This book is a must read for women and people everywhere. It is empowering, thought provoking provoking, reflective. It’s for the person who loves history but also for the person who seeks to understand modern day politics. I absolutely love this and will recommend it whenever given the chance!

Amazing!

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