Married off at age 12, Isabella put up with her husband’s shenanigans over decades. Eventually, the She-Wolf of France had had enough.
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Queens of Infamy: Boudicca
If you underestimate a woman determined to avenge violence against her daughters, prepare yourself to get sacked. On repeat.
Posted inNonfiction
Our Most-Read Longreads Originals of 2022
These essays and reported features are our most-read stories of the year.
Posted inNonfiction
Our Most-Read Longreads Originals of 2021
The original reporting and personal essays that were our most-read stories of the year.
Posted inNonfiction
Queens of Infamy: Lucrezia Borgia
History may have pigeonholed her as Renaissance Italy’s most notorious seductress, but it’s high time we give the Duchess of Ferrara a closer look.
Posted inAnnouncements, Reading List, Story, Writing
Celebrating 13 Years of Longreads
Ten favorite Longreads originals, as selected by the editors.
Posted inNonfiction
Queens of Infamy: Mariamne I
In the ancient hot mess known as Judea, a young queen had to navigate a self-destructive royal dynasty and one of history’s worst husbands.
Posted inNonfiction
Queens of Infamy: Njinga
The Portuguese colonizers of West Central Africa learned it the hard way: you mess with the Queen of Ndongo and Matamba at your own peril.
Posted inNonfiction
The 25 Most Popular Longreads Exclusives of 2020
The original reporting, personal essays, columns, and collaborations that were our most-read stories of the year.
Posted inStory
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.
