Ten Queens: Portraits of Women of Power

by Milton Meltzer

Book Overview

Powerful female rulers interpreted in striking words and paintingsFrom the courage and beauty of Esther to the reforming spirit of Catherine the Great. here are essays about ten queens by an author who has been called "arguably the best writer of social history for children and adolescents ever". Meltzer, by his own description, is accustomed to presenting history "from the bottom up", but he takes a "top down" approach for these monarchs, revealing...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525456430
• ISBN13: 9780525456438
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 2.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 9.5" x 11.5"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Well laid out book

I enjoy reading stories of women from pre-history to modern times so this one intrigued me, even though it was written for younger readers. This was a well laid-out book overviewing queens. Sequentially, it went from oldest to newest and spanned queens from 5th century A.D. to the 1700's. Each were from a different place and culture. This book was well researched and was easy to read. The illustrations were done well, giving it an air of mystery, romance and dignity. It's one that I'll keep on my shelves to reference when I want a quick, easy to read overview.

Great for little girls

I found this book at the library by chance. I was looking for a more books about Queen Elizabeth I. This book is a great introduction to women in history. It is easy enough for my then 8 year old to read for the Texas Reader's club. I am definitely checking it out for my 7 yr to use for her TX Reader's club requirements.

Very, Very Good!!!

I checked "Ten Queens" out from my local library to brush up on my reading of some of my favorite historical figures of all time- Cleopatra VII and Eleanor of Acquitaine.While the book shed great light on two of the most famous women in all of ancient/medieval history, the author also brought to light lesser known queens. All of a sudden, I have a great respect for the fearless Zenobia, the corageous Boudicca, and, of course, the Biblical Esther. He has done an oustanding job of researching all of the queens and presenting them all in a favorable light (though let's not forget Christina's hypocritical ways, Cleopatra's love affairs, and Catherine the Great's promiscuity- for history's sake). All in all, a great book worth the money.

Broad based overview of Queens makes excellent reading.

My nine year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed this overview of famous women rulers from ancient times to the 18th century.