A History Of Science In 21 Women

By (author) Bigg, Marieke
Short description/annotation:

From radiotherapy to computer code, climate change to DNA – meet the female scientists who changed the world.

Description:

From Ada Lovelace to Florence Nightingale, Rosalind Franklin to Tu Youyou – discover the women who changed science forever

Imagine a scientist. White lab coat and goggles… check! A passing resemblance to Albert Einstein… yes, that too. So, most likely it’s a man. However, from radiation to climate change, pulsars to the Earth’s core – women have always stood at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Learn how Ada Lovelace’s tumultuous upbringing created the first computer programmer. Join Marie Curie as she discovers two elements and earns two Nobel prizes, all before the age of forty-five. Learn how Katherine Johnson launched the first American into space – defiant in the face of institutional racism.

A timely addition to the growing global conversation around the future of science – and who gets to shape it – A History of Science in 21 Women is a paradigm-shifting exploration of the scientists who history tried, and failed, to brush under the carpet, and why their stories still matter today.

Review quote:
''This book celebrates the lives and achievements of 21 women who achieved significant scientific feats. The book is both inspiring, for the persistence of these scientists in navigating the obstacles placed in their paths, and frustrating in that they had so much to overcome.'' —Dame Sarah Gilbert
Review quote:

''This is a rich and thought-provoking read that raises important questions about the role of gender stereotypes and bias in all kinds of research.'' —Dr Gwen Adshead, author of The Devil You Know

Review quote:
''A fast-paced journey that deftly navigates the complex stories of women in science, shining a light on lesser-known figures as well as familiar names like Curie and Lovelace. Biggs'' book is a must-read for STEMinists and history lovers.'' —Dr Alanna Skuse, author of The Surgeon, The Midwife, The Quack  
Biographical note:

Dr Marieke Bigg is the author of This Won’t Hurt and No Such Thing As Normal, alongside two novels. She holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Cambridge where her research focused on the debates on human embryo research in Britain. She is currently also training as a psychotherapist and works as a peer support coordinator and client liaison at the mental health charity Mind.

Promotional headline:
From radiotherapy to computer code, climate change to DNA – meet the female scientists who changed the world.
Feature:

The latest addition to Oneworld’s bestselling series – Jenni Murray’s histories of Britain and the world and Emma Southon’s A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women have a combined sales of over 141k on Bookscan.


A fresh, important re-evaluation of women’s contribution to science as vital scientific research faces renewed attacks around the world.


The author’s previous books have been endorsed by Katy Hessel and Naga Munchetty.