when we ruled: a reading list curated by Paula Akpan

Njinga Mbande. Nana Yaa Asantewaa. Makobo Modjadji VI. Ranavalona the First.

These queens and warriors ruled vast swathes of the African continent, where they led, loved, and fought for their kingdoms and people. Their impact can still be felt today, and yet, beyond the lands they called home, so few of us have ever heard their names

When We Ruled by Paula Akpan is an immersive and pioneering history of twelve African queens and warriors from across the continent. With reigns spanning from pre-colonial Nigeria to the rich lands of Rwanda, and from Ancient Egypt to apartheid South Africa, these rulers shed new light on gender politics in these regions, showing how women were celebrated and revered before colonizing powers took hold, and continued to be long after.

We're overjoyed to be hosting Paula at the shop to launch When We Ruled on May 14th, in conversation with the tremendous Gemma Cairney, as part of Feminist Book Fortnight

In advance of the event, we asked Paula to list some of the books that informed the writing of When We Ruled. You can eplore the list below.

We can't wait to celebrate the arrival of Paula's revelatory, radical book. Tickets can be found HERE.