Legenda : The Real Women Behind the Myths That Shaped Europe

Author: Ramirez, Janina

Regional & national history

Published on 2 July 2026 by Ebury Publishing (W H Allen) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 480 pages
128 x 198 x 32 | 332g

From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited for political, nation-building ends.

From Joan of Arc to Lady Godiva, Isabella of Castile to Catherine of Siena, famous medieval women have become national icons, their legends burnished and celebrated. But over the centuries their lives have been exploited, their stories twisted and weaponised. Searching for the real women behind the legends, bestselling historian Janina Ramirez reveals how history is often hijacked to serve the ideological and political agendas of the present. Praise for LEGENDA:'Fearless, stunning and shockingly relevant' Alice Roberts, author of Domination'A history like no other. Fabulous, invigorating and beguiling' Kate Mosse, author of Labyrinth'Sensational! Janina Ramirez is writing women back into history one by one' Lauren Laverne'A brilliant concept, conveyed with that dynamo mix: academic authority and storytelling pizzazz!' Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen