Goddess - (British Museum) by Janina Ramirez (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This collection brings together 50 stories of powerful female figures from around the world. There are loving creators, wise leaders, fearsome warriors, gentle healers, and mystical protectors, and they can each inspire you to find strength within yourself . . .

Beautifully written by cultural historian and broadcaster Dr. Janina Ramirez, and stunningly illustrated by Sarah Walsh, this amazing book contains goddesses, guides, spirits, saints, witches, demons, and many more female figures that have played an important role in shaping belief today. Based on original sources and with photographs from the British Museum collection, this incredible introduction to goddesses throughout history will entertain, engage, and empower readers everywhere.

Divided into thematic chapters, there are important stories of creation and love, action-packed stories of war and death, and heroic stories of great adventure and strength.

Includes a neon pink ribbon bookmark and a jacketed cover with foil and neon pink ink.

List of goddesses featured: Inanna, Athena, Mami Wata, Nut, Ezili Danto, Rhiannon, Xiwangmu, Baba Yaga, Durga, Juno, Venus, Chalchiutitcue, Brigid, Mokosh, Pattini, Ariadne, Asase Yaa, Gaia, Eve, Mawu, Lilith, Sekhmet, Diana, Freyja, Izanami, Anat, Hel, Rangda, Medusa, Kali, Mary, Guanyin, Isis, Hecate, Sarasvati, Tara, Chang'e, Pte San Win, Lakshmi, Popa Medaw, Sedna, Itzpapalotl, Pele, Badb Catha, Oshun, Spider Mother, Tiamat, Amaterasu, Papatuanuku, and Mazu.

Review Quotes

Fifty timeless, fascinating, and instructive female figures in still-vital traditions and cultures all around the world.

Like all abiding myths, the stories of these saintly, divine, or spirit-women reflect enduring human wishes, hopes, and fears. Organized by tens in categories (Ruling and Guiding, New Life, War and Death, Love and Wisdom, Animals and Nature), many transcend their placement and could fit into other groups. Concise but detailed profiles discuss the goddess' names, powers, famous myths, and iconography. Explanations of how believers saw each figure over time add both clarity and complexity. Many goddesses are overall positive forces, like the Yoruba deity Oshun, "the source of all good things." Others are more complex (like Babylonian goddess Tiamat) or even terrifying (Hindu goddess Kali). Creation, civilization, family and political conflict, survival, and protection are among the many recurring themes. Varied views of what it means to be a woman (or man; men are often involved in the stories) are eye-opening. Many figures are still venerated today; one, based on a historical Chinese woman, was reportedly sighted as recently as 2016. Strikingly stylized, colorful, and iconlike illustrations depict the goddesses and typically incorporate characteristic symbols and story components. They're visually pleasing but also informative, such as with Baba Yaga's mortar and pestle. A glossary covers terms like Hinduism and Sumeria, but overall, readers get limited help with pronunciation.

Inspiring role models and some cautionary tales. (Nonfiction. 9-12)

About the Author

Janina Ramirez (Author)
Janina Ramirez is a cultural historian who teaches at the University of Oxford. She went to school in Slough, England, is Polish and Irish, and married to a Spanish Scot. Janina fell in love with history on a visit to Hampton Court Palace in London when she was seven years old. Seeing a doorstep worn down by thousands of feet walking on it across centuries made her fascinating by people of the past.

Janina has written many books, some for adults and some for children. With a love of storytelling, she finds the best inspiration comes from looking back at the stories, people and ideas that inspired humans hundreds and thousands of years ago. Janina also presents documentaries on television and radio, which allows her to travel the world. But she is happiest at home with her family, four cats, three chickens and two hamsters.

Sarah Walsh (Illustrator)
Sarah Walsh grew up in upstate New York. When she was little she was obsessed with animals. So much so that she wanted to be one. Her mom knew this and sewed her an assortment of costumes she could wear all year round. She was also obsessed with drawing and from a very small age knew in her heart she would be an artist someday. If....she worked hard enough and practised. Currently Sarah is an internationally published illustrator with several adult colouring books, children's board books, activity books, and greeting cards under her belt. She lives with her family in Kansas City. Her work and other notions can be found at Sarahwalshmakesthings.com.