In fraught games of power politics, sometimes the best revenge is not being exiled to die alone on an island in the South Atlantic.
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Posted inEditor's Pick
Queens of Infamy: Josephine Bonaparte, from Martinique to Merveilleuse
Even the Reign of Terror was no match for a determined young woman with a pug and a prophecy on her side.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Queens of Infamy: Josephine Bonaparte, from Malmaison to More-Than-Monarch
“When they got home, Josephine refused to move her beloved dog Fortuné off the bed to make room for Napoleon. When his mistress’ new husband tried to push him aside, the pug bit him. Sometimes dogs just know.”
Posted inNonfiction
Queens of Infamy: Zenobia
In third-century Syria, a widowed monarch dared to be wildly ambitious — and almost brought the Roman Empire to its knees.
Posted inNonfiction, Top 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from James Hamblin, Josina Guess, Edward Carey, Paraic O’Donnell, and Ruth Graham.
Posted inBlog Post, Longreads News
When Readers Support Longreads, We Can Nurture Strong Relationships with Writers
There’s a direct link between our readers’ commitment to Longreads and our ability to commit your favorite writers.
Posted inFeature
Best of 2025: All Our Number Five Story Picks
Every story we selected for the number five slot in our weekly newsletter, in a handy digest.
Posted inNonfiction
Queens of Infamy: The Reign of Catherine de’ Medici
When your husband and male heirs are too useless or too dead to rule, you have to take matters into your own poison-gloved hands.
Posted inNonfiction
Queens of Infamy: The Rise of Catherine de’ Medici
Kings and popes thought she was their pawn. The Merchant’s Daughter begged to differ.
Posted inBlog Post, Commentary, Longreads News
Strong Writer-Editor Partnerships Create the Best Stories, As This Extended Bus Metaphor Will Prove
We need your help to keep this bus gassed up.
