Queens of Islam: The Muslim World’s Historic Women Rulers by local author Tom Verde offers an eye-opening look at the lives of some of the most remarkable female leaders of Muslim states, from Islam’s earliest centuries through early modern times. Some proved insightful and able administrators, courageous military commanders, or both; others differed little from their equally flawed, power-hungry male counterparts, and sowed the seeds of their own downfalls. Their stories demonstrate that throughout the faith’s long history there were many women who achieved positions of power and served as effective rulers, revered by those they governed while being respected—even feared—by their contemporary world leaders.
Writer and journalist Tom Verde has written about religion, history, and culture for the New York Times, National Public Radio, and Religion News Service. He lives in Pawcatuck, CT
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