Forgotten Warriors

Forgotten Warriors by Sarah Percy offers readers an eye-opening look into the overlooked but significant role of women in warfare throughout history. Spanning centuries and continents, Percy uncovers the lives of female fighters who have participated in battles, rebellions, and wars in ways that challenge traditional perceptions of combat and heroism. This compelling narrative introduces us to a diverse array of warrior women. From the enigmatic Boudicca, who united the Iceni tribe against Roman occupation, to the Mino, the formidable all-female military regiment that defended the West African kingdom of Dahomey for over two hundred years. Percy also brings to light the astonishing stories of the Night Witches, Soviet female pilots who soared through perilous night skies to harass Nazi troops during World War II, and the lesser-known cross-dressing soldiers of various eras who fought so convincingly that their true identities remained hidden from even their closest comrades. Sarah Percy meticulously constructs a vivid tableau of these historical figures, drawing attention to their resilience, ingenuity, and bravery. The book masterfully interweaves these personal narratives with broader historical contexts, from sieges and civil wars to insurgencies and pitched battles. Through rigorous research and poignant storytelling, Percy challenges the conventional exclusion of women from the historical record of warfare, setting the record straight and ensuring their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. 'Ambitious, wide-ranging and learned' Times Literary Supplement

'Vivid and extraordinary' Wall Street Journal

'Vulnerability, strength and defiance . . . in exploring the history of women in combat, Forgotten Warriors tackles their exclusion from the historical record' The Spectator, Books of the Year

'Fascinating' BBC History

'Magnificent . . . could not be more timely' The Monthly

'Truly impressive and rigorously researched, this book should be in all libraries' New York Journal of Books

Forgotten Warriors is an essential read for anyone interested in military history, gender studies, or the complex dynamics of war. This book not only enriches our understanding of historical conflicts but also honours the valour and contributions of women who have fought, against all odds, on front lines around the world.