Heroines and Harridans is a tale of eccentricity (generally British), some bad behaviour (occasionally American) and rather odd love lives (some corking aristocrats). It is not by chance that the relation of matters in the past are called History . It is, generally, his story with many men doing grand things while the women stayed home to make the soup. Heroines and Harridans gives another, highly entertaining view on life as comedian Sandi Toksvig brings her trademark wit and humour to bear on portraits of as eccentric a melange of women throughout history as you are ever likely to find. All of the featured characters were terrific good fun, helped shape the world they lived in but in many cases disappeared into obscurity. Each of Toksvig s gloriously funny pen portraits is accompanied by equally striking and imaginative illustrations by artist Sandy Nightingale.
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There are three things you immediately notice about Sandi Toksvig. Her height, her wit and her distinctive voice...it's rip-roaring stuff, and it translates to the page, too. --Independent on Sunday
"its quirky novelty will doubtless bring joy to many...The book offers Toksvig the freedom to tell these stories in her own, very wonderful, voice" --Varsity
"its quirky novelty will doubtless bring joy to many...The book offers Toksvig the freedom to tell these stories in her own, very wonderful, voice" --Varsity
About the Author
Sandi Toksvig is a well-known broadcaster for both television and radio. She has written more than twenty books including fiction and non-fiction for both adults and children, is a regular columnist for Good Housekeeping magazine and in September 2012 her latest play Bully Boy was the opening production for London s first new theatre in thirty years, the St James. Sandi is the new Chancellor of Portsmouth University. Toksvig s new novel Valentine Grey has just been published to much acclaim. She is the much-loved host of The News Quiz. Her previous collaboration with artist Sandy Nightingale was The Travels of Lady Bulldog Burton. The Two Sandies don t work together often because they fall about laughing too much and get injured which is a strain on the NHS. Sandy Nightingale is the author and illustrator of many books for children. She has also graced the work of Terry Pratchett and Matt Haig.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Nommie
Format:Hardcover
I love this book! The stories are so beautifully readable, entertaining and full of things I didn't yet know about amazing ladies of 'herstory'. It's exquisitely designed and illustrated with the most perfect pictures of the featured ladies, which bring out everything from a wry smile at the corners of the mouth to full-on out-loud chuckles that have made the cats jump up in confusion. Fab!
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By J. Brain
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a book of quality and I don't just mean its printed on thick, paper with a lovely sheen that is a pleasure to turn. Heroines and Harridans has weight to it and that's not just one hundred and thirty seven pages packed with a wealth of wit and worthy array of notable women, but the beautifully quirksome illustrations by Sandy Nightingale whose work led me to this book in the first place and the irrepressible humour of Sandy Toksvig. From the final comment in the preface "there are no soup recipes in this book" to the wry observation "some women are delightful when they are alive, some, sadly, are a joy only when they've passed on" to the closing chapter on 'soup' and its closing sentiment "there is so much left still to be devoured" this book will exercise your facial muscles and leave you feeling full and satisfied. It's a joy to read, it's fun, frivolous; it celebrates and illuminates a full bodied collection of women in all of their eccentric, determined, courageous, baffling and humbling aspects. Buy it, buy it! It will perk up your Book Club, adorn your bedside table, instigate chance encounters on the tube and your early morning commute! It looks good, it feels good and it draws you on like a romp but will reveal treasures to you along the way. I am as fond now, of Hester Thrale as I ever could have been had I had the pleasure of meeting her, from Aphra Benn, Stella Gibbons, Hairy Mary from Borneo to the Blessed Hildegard of Bingen there is, as they say, something for everyone in this delightful book by the two Sandies. I can't wait for volume two!
Heroines and Harridans: A Fanfare of Fabulous Females
Heroines and Harridans: A Fanfare of Fabulous Females
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By David Fenton
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was a present to my Wife, who is a fan of Sandy T and an avid reader. For her to tell me she was disappointed, especially as it was a gift, gives some indication of how bad it was. There was no real substance to each entry with most being frivolous, but not particularly funny either. Check out the Elizabeth 1st entry.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book bought for a present.
I was flicking through a magazine and saw this book mentioned. I was looking for a book for my friend who doesn't read fiction. This seemed perfect. Xmas came and she was chuffed. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. Shirley Kerr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting book.
Good book written as only Sandi knows how. Both witty and informative with funny illustrations. Great to dip into or read in one go!
Published 3 months ago by Mrs S.
4.0 out of 5 stars
book
i bought this book for a friends birthday,she found it very funny and is interested in history so it went down well.
Published 3 months ago by carol
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sandi Toksvig book
A very informative book about a wide range of historical women and as it was written by Sandi Toksvig it is also very amusing!
Published 3 months ago by Idle Jack
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Bought as a present for my friend, had a look though before I gave it. Has some really interesting pieces in it
Published 4 months ago by jacqueline wren
5.0 out of 5 stars
History with a big dash of humour!
I just loved this book. Sandi's take on history is so refreshing and funny. Sandy Nightingale's illustrations are so perfect for the commentary on each lady( or not so laydish). Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mary Reilly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Present for friend
Friend had been to Sandi's talk at Cheltenmham Literary Festival and was raving about this book, so was very happy to receive it
Published 4 months ago by Sarah Ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read
Have now ordered two of these and both recipients were over the moon. I would recommend it to anyone. Fab!
Published 4 months ago by Andrea
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really interesting read
Bought this book as a present for a friend after hearing the author interviewed! It didn't disappoint -it was great finding out about interesting women I'd not really heard about... Read more
Published 5 months ago by davinac
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bought as a Christmas Gift
Had a quick look through and I am sure that the person I bought it for will be delighted with it.
Published 5 months ago by J. C. Kennedy
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