With clearsightedness and wry humour, this self-described 'gobby woman' proves public speech is no longer the preserve of maleness. More power to her.

An urgent feminist cri de coeur, spot-on in its utterly reasonable plea that a woman 'who dares to open her mouth in public' actually be given a hearing.

This book is a treasure, both as a fascinating read in itself and as a fine work of reference to correct our lazy misconceptions about an ancient world that still has much to instruct us today

Brilliant

... exposes the roots of today's expectations of how a woman should behave ... time for a change, she argues - and now!

Masterful ... This is exemplary popular history, engaging but never dumbed down, providing both the grand sweep and the intimate details that bring the distant past vividly to life

An irrepressible enthusiast with a refreshing disregard for convention

Dynamically, wittily and authoritatively brings the ancient world to life

A sparkling and forceful manifesto

Selected as one of the 100 best books of the 21st century: An instant feminist classic

A modern feminist classic

Enlightening ... explains how misogyny works and why it is so resilient

Ground-breaking ... invigorating ... revolutionary ... a whole new approach to ancient history

With such a champion as Beard to debunk and popularise, the future of the study of classics is assured

An irresistible call for women to speak up, act and redefine their power

Vastly engaging ... a tremendously enjoyable and scholarly read

Clear, rich, subversive and witty