Until the 20th century, art history in the West was largely written by men about other men; the idea of women making great art was rarely considered. Australian art critic Jennifer Higgie profiles women across five centuries who prove there is more than one way to understand our world, to live in it, and to make art about it. Her biographical and cultural history is packed with tales of rebellion, adventure, revolution, travel, and tragedy, introducing women who ignored convention to live creative lives.

"Full of edgy insights, this engrossing survey will delight art connoisseurs and general readers alike."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A master storyteller and brilliant translator of sensory experiences, Higgie makes us care about her artists as people. She is able to retrieve personalities from historical obscurity with just a few words."—Times Literary Supplement