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Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of
A fascinating look at the lives of twenty rebels and rule-breakers throughout history and what made their contributions to society—in science, politics, art, and more—transformative. By the author and host of the popular Unruly Figures Substack newsletter and podcast.
Unruly Figures gives you access to the lives and often untold stories of twenty of history's most fascinating individuals. Of all the rebels and revolutionaries who have acted around the world, these are often overlooked. Whether they are a bit familiar or entirely new to you, each of these historical figures provides a vivid example of what it means to live life on one's own terms and have a lasting influence on society.
In the first collection of its kind, spotlighting a young historian's fresh view on unheralded rebels, these characters' true stories are brought to life through enthralling narratives of their feats and an original illustration of each. Even those whose names are recognizable—like Jonas Salk—have moments of rebellion that are largely left out of their histories. The diverse cast of unruly figures profiled
Dive into this collection of hidden history tales—those of scientists, artists, revolutionaries, activists, heirs to thrones, and so many more—and you are guaranteed to be inspired by how they lived on their own unconventional terms.
Unruly Figures gives you access to the lives and often untold stories of twenty of history's most fascinating individuals. Of all the rebels and revolutionaries who have acted around the world, these are often overlooked. Whether they are a bit familiar or entirely new to you, each of these historical figures provides a vivid example of what it means to live life on one's own terms and have a lasting influence on society.
In the first collection of its kind, spotlighting a young historian's fresh view on unheralded rebels, these characters' true stories are brought to life through enthralling narratives of their feats and an original illustration of each. Even those whose names are recognizable—like Jonas Salk—have moments of rebellion that are largely left out of their histories. The diverse cast of unruly figures profiled
Dive into this collection of hidden history tales—those of scientists, artists, revolutionaries, activists, heirs to thrones, and so many more—and you are guaranteed to be inspired by how they lived on their own unconventional terms.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2024
6 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 17, 2024
A series of stories about vagabonds and kings, curated from a wide array of cultures and histories.
In one of the earlier ones, ancient foes face off. Side B sends side A a clutch of weapons with a note that ran along the lines of, “Think of this as a pat on the back for if you quit fucking around. If you don’t quit it, you’re gonna find out (and need all the help you can get).”
But my favourite theme was of the sapphic warrior queens throwing off the bonds of convention.
In one of the earlier ones, ancient foes face off. Side B sends side A a clutch of weapons with a note that ran along the lines of, “Think of this as a pat on the back for if you quit fucking around. If you don’t quit it, you’re gonna find out (and need all the help you can get).”
But my favourite theme was of the sapphic warrior queens throwing off the bonds of convention.
January 25, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books/Princeton Architectural Press for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 3/5/2024. While it was not quite what I expected, it is definitely worth the time to pick up and read it. The people contained within deserve to have their stories heard and appreciated. Equally important is that they are recognized as whole human beings, containing both good and bad, while their stories are still respected. The author definitely does this and you have to give her props for this; at no point does she hide the ugly bits in order to lionize the figures in this book. On the other hand, the problem with choosing figures that are seldom discussed is that you are left with limited resources or else you have to work really hard to get that info. This unfortunately worked against the book in understandable ways. Some of the chapters felt complete but some, missing vital information or filled with "it is believed" phrases, feel more like place holders. It isn't disrespectful at all but it leaves you wanting much more, feeling like the book could have just been finished a bit more. You know? If nothing else, though, this book will give you new names to go down the rabbit hole for - people with vibrant stories and spines of steel! It should alsos inspire you to be your true self because, hard as that is, none of the people in this book would ever say it wasn't worth it.
October 25, 2023
What is more intriguing than hearing about rebels? People who have chosen to disregard or bend the rules or even write new ones are inherently fascinating, especially if their unruly roles have been hidden from the typical school textbook history.
Valerie Castellanos Clark gives readers and fans of nonfiction a wild educational ride in the way back machine to introduce us to 20 men and women who bucked the system in one way or another and made a difference by with their own strength of character and mind. From a pirate Queen to a man tasked with making the call on whether a nuclear bomb alert was bonifide or not, all manner of risk takers rule these pages and are brought into a spotlight they deserve by the author.
The world is better for it.
Thank you NetGalley.
December 9, 2024
Real Rating: 4.5* of five
The Publisher Says: A fascinating look at the lives of twenty rebels and rule-breakers throughout history and what made their contributions to society—in science, politics, art, and more—transformative. By the author and host of the popular Unruly Figures Substack newsletter and podcast.
Unruly Figures gives you access to the lives and often untold stories of twenty of history's most fascinating individuals. Of all the rebels and revolutionaries who have acted around the world, these are often overlooked. Whether they are a bit familiar or entirely new to you, each of these historical figures provides a vivid example of what it means to live life on one's own terms and have a lasting influence on society.
In the first collection of its kind, spotlighting a young historian's fresh view on unheralded rebels, these characters' true stories are brought to life through enthralling narratives of their feats and an original illustration of each. Even those whose names are recognizable—like Jonas Salk—have moments of rebellion that are largely left out of their histories. The diverse cast of unruly figures profiled includes:
Kandake Amanirenas, queen of the Kingdom of Kush (modern-day Sudan), who led an army against the invading Romans
Manuela Sáenz, revolutionary from Ecuador and collaborator and lover of Simón Bolívar
Henry Dunant, Swiss humanitarian and founder of the Red Cross
Elaine Sturtevant, known as Sturtevant, a misunderstood American artist who took appropriation and pop art to new heights
Dive into this collection of hidden history tales—those of scientists, artists, revolutionaries, activists, heirs to thrones, and so many more—and you are guaranteed to be inspired by how they lived on their own unconventional terms.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: This is my idea of a gift to give the young giftee of any description! This is how you do it, and don't wait to start. The world needs troublemakers now more than ever.
Here's a sample few pages, all about someone who did something I definitely never learned about in History class:
Excuse me, what?! Defeated AUGUSTUS?! This was not mentioned in any book I've read about Rome!
The entire collection does not, of course, have quite the same impact on me as the unsettling realization of History I've consumed for *mumble*ty-five years being upended. That is, however, not the source of the missing half-star. I'm afraid I'm being really petty and first-world spoiled here: I hate, with a violent passion, whatever Pantone™-pink shade that is they've used throughout the book. It looks like thrown-up shrimp cocktail.
The information, the design, all the rest...the portraits on the chapter opens, the typeface, the bloody dingbats are all peachy-keen by me. That urpsome shade of my least-favorite color cost this excellent book replete with role models I hope you'll shove at every young person you can find a half-star.
I accept your opprobrium in advance, but decline to reconsider my stance.
Don't let this in any way dissuade, or even delay, you from ordering one to arrive in time to go under the Yule tree.
The Publisher Says: A fascinating look at the lives of twenty rebels and rule-breakers throughout history and what made their contributions to society—in science, politics, art, and more—transformative. By the author and host of the popular Unruly Figures Substack newsletter and podcast.
Unruly Figures gives you access to the lives and often untold stories of twenty of history's most fascinating individuals. Of all the rebels and revolutionaries who have acted around the world, these are often overlooked. Whether they are a bit familiar or entirely new to you, each of these historical figures provides a vivid example of what it means to live life on one's own terms and have a lasting influence on society.
In the first collection of its kind, spotlighting a young historian's fresh view on unheralded rebels, these characters' true stories are brought to life through enthralling narratives of their feats and an original illustration of each. Even those whose names are recognizable—like Jonas Salk—have moments of rebellion that are largely left out of their histories. The diverse cast of unruly figures profiled includes:
Kandake Amanirenas, queen of the Kingdom of Kush (modern-day Sudan), who led an army against the invading Romans
Manuela Sáenz, revolutionary from Ecuador and collaborator and lover of Simón Bolívar
Henry Dunant, Swiss humanitarian and founder of the Red Cross
Elaine Sturtevant, known as Sturtevant, a misunderstood American artist who took appropriation and pop art to new heights
Dive into this collection of hidden history tales—those of scientists, artists, revolutionaries, activists, heirs to thrones, and so many more—and you are guaranteed to be inspired by how they lived on their own unconventional terms.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: This is my idea of a gift to give the young giftee of any description! This is how you do it, and don't wait to start. The world needs troublemakers now more than ever.
Here's a sample few pages, all about someone who did something I definitely never learned about in History class:
Excuse me, what?! Defeated AUGUSTUS?! This was not mentioned in any book I've read about Rome!
The entire collection does not, of course, have quite the same impact on me as the unsettling realization of History I've consumed for *mumble*ty-five years being upended. That is, however, not the source of the missing half-star. I'm afraid I'm being really petty and first-world spoiled here: I hate, with a violent passion, whatever Pantone™-pink shade that is they've used throughout the book. It looks like thrown-up shrimp cocktail.
The information, the design, all the rest...the portraits on the chapter opens, the typeface, the bloody dingbats are all peachy-keen by me. That urpsome shade of my least-favorite color cost this excellent book replete with role models I hope you'll shove at every young person you can find a half-star.
I accept your opprobrium in advance, but decline to reconsider my stance.
Don't let this in any way dissuade, or even delay, you from ordering one to arrive in time to go under the Yule tree.
March 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Princeton Architectural Press, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
So I am a lover of weird history, unknown events, and anything a little crazy, hence why the title immediately grabbed my attention. If any of you all follow All That Is Interesting, History Uncovered, or any of the news/instagram pages like these, you will love Unruly Figures.
These pocket sized stories are the perfect bite of strange and/or wild history perfect for conversations over coffee or an adult before bed story (love this because I can read one story in approximately the time before the sleeping pill kicks in).
Who doesn't love reading a story that may have unknowingly affected how a society today works and rules. Some of these rebels are back in Ancient times, some in more current times that have bucked rules, made great decisions (good or bad, but great) and have made waves and changes in their wakes. One thing I loved about these stories is how diverse the rebels that Clark chose to write about are. I thought this touch was cool, as I was learning about many different groups of people, different genders and different classes of societies.
I personally thought that the stories were the perfect length to be palatable for easy consumption, as anything longer I feel like may have been overwhelming with facts and information. Each gave you enough to contemplate, think about and wonder about looking a little more into each individual.
As I received an ARC, the copy I read form was in black and white. Before reviewing (since the book was just released a few days ago- Congrats!) I checked out a preview on Amazon to see the drawings. Wow- what a difference in color makes in how they look. Absolutely beautiful.
These stories are prefect for waiting on someone in the car, reading in the bubble bath, an adult nighttime story or for reading before work with coffee. Such crazy stories to learn about.
So I am a lover of weird history, unknown events, and anything a little crazy, hence why the title immediately grabbed my attention. If any of you all follow All That Is Interesting, History Uncovered, or any of the news/instagram pages like these, you will love Unruly Figures.
These pocket sized stories are the perfect bite of strange and/or wild history perfect for conversations over coffee or an adult before bed story (love this because I can read one story in approximately the time before the sleeping pill kicks in).
Who doesn't love reading a story that may have unknowingly affected how a society today works and rules. Some of these rebels are back in Ancient times, some in more current times that have bucked rules, made great decisions (good or bad, but great) and have made waves and changes in their wakes. One thing I loved about these stories is how diverse the rebels that Clark chose to write about are. I thought this touch was cool, as I was learning about many different groups of people, different genders and different classes of societies.
I personally thought that the stories were the perfect length to be palatable for easy consumption, as anything longer I feel like may have been overwhelming with facts and information. Each gave you enough to contemplate, think about and wonder about looking a little more into each individual.
As I received an ARC, the copy I read form was in black and white. Before reviewing (since the book was just released a few days ago- Congrats!) I checked out a preview on Amazon to see the drawings. Wow- what a difference in color makes in how they look. Absolutely beautiful.
These stories are prefect for waiting on someone in the car, reading in the bubble bath, an adult nighttime story or for reading before work with coffee. Such crazy stories to learn about.
February 19, 2024
4.5 stars
Recommended if you like: history, nonfiction, biographies, little known history
Big thanks to Netgalley, Princeton Architectural Press, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was an interesting book that provided overviews of revolutionaries from various points in history across the world. I learned some interesting new things and about new people, some of whom I'd heard of and others of whom I hadn't. I did find the biographical sketches to be pretty interesting. I think the author does a good job of including a diverse set of people from various cultures, genders, and sexualities. It's also fairly short so it's a nice, quick read.
My one complaint about this book is that the biographies were pretty short, about 10 pages each, and so didn't really go too in depth about the people, just gave a summary of their life and main actions. It felt a bit like a summary of other people's research, and I would've much rather had a longer book that went into more detail about each of the 20 revolutionaries. As it is, it's a good introduction if you're looking for people who want to learn more about.
I actually do have a second complaint but it's unrelated to the book itself. This was only available for download on my laptop or via the Netgalley app, but not on the Kindle. I chose the Netgalley app so I would be able to read it from anywhere but there was a watermark over top of the text in the middle of each page. Not only was the watermark over the text, but it also had a drop shadow, which made it hard to read what was under it.
Recommended if you like: history, nonfiction, biographies, little known history
Big thanks to Netgalley, Princeton Architectural Press, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was an interesting book that provided overviews of revolutionaries from various points in history across the world. I learned some interesting new things and about new people, some of whom I'd heard of and others of whom I hadn't. I did find the biographical sketches to be pretty interesting. I think the author does a good job of including a diverse set of people from various cultures, genders, and sexualities. It's also fairly short so it's a nice, quick read.
My one complaint about this book is that the biographies were pretty short, about 10 pages each, and so didn't really go too in depth about the people, just gave a summary of their life and main actions. It felt a bit like a summary of other people's research, and I would've much rather had a longer book that went into more detail about each of the 20 revolutionaries. As it is, it's a good introduction if you're looking for people who want to learn more about.
I actually do have a second complaint but it's unrelated to the book itself. This was only available for download on my laptop or via the Netgalley app, but not on the Kindle. I chose the Netgalley app so I would be able to read it from anywhere but there was a watermark over top of the text in the middle of each page. Not only was the watermark over the text, but it also had a drop shadow, which made it hard to read what was under it.
January 18, 2024
I have heard of a handful of these unruly figures because I studied their history. I was frankly amazed that we even know so much about some of them. Every one of them has a story worth reading. There is a wide variety of history here, and every person was chosen because they made an important contribution to history that most people have never heard about. This would be a great book to keep around and read one story at a time and share the stories with friends.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC
April 14, 2024
Unruly Figures is a fascinating look at some of history's most overlooked and under-discussed trailblazers. Castellanos Clark relates each story with a captivating and yet deftly measured delivery - you know why she chose each one, but she doesn't feel the need to sell you on them or paper over their complications (this book could have just as easily been called Complicated Figures). A great lunch break companion for those looking for a digestible, thought-provoking collection of profiles.
November 21, 2024
rating: pg for sexual situations - not deeply described, but present and not shied-away-from. Some profanity.
recommend: HS and up - history buffs looking for a new cast of characters
I had only heard of a few of these historical figures - the length of the bios was perfect - enough to whet the appetite but not enough to bog down the reader. The author covered diverse points in history as well as nationalities - it's not all the dead white guys. Thank you for that.
recommend: HS and up - history buffs looking for a new cast of characters
I had only heard of a few of these historical figures - the length of the bios was perfect - enough to whet the appetite but not enough to bog down the reader. The author covered diverse points in history as well as nationalities - it's not all the dead white guys. Thank you for that.
June 4, 2024
I loved learning about these historical rebels. The wide representation of people (including a focus on those within the LGBT) was refreshing for a historical focus.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and think it would would have been just as enjoyable in a reading format.
Give this a listen if you're curious about rebels not otherwise covered in 'normal' history.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and think it would would have been just as enjoyable in a reading format.
Give this a listen if you're curious about rebels not otherwise covered in 'normal' history.
February 23, 2024
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the sort of book that I really enjoy- small bite sized chunks that can be put down and come back too without loosing your place. I loved this one! It was well researched and thought out, and some of the people I knew something about and learned a little more, and some I'd not heard of and learned something new. I often found myself checking out other sources to find even more now that my whistle had been whet!
I highly recommend!
This is the sort of book that I really enjoy- small bite sized chunks that can be put down and come back too without loosing your place. I loved this one! It was well researched and thought out, and some of the people I knew something about and learned a little more, and some I'd not heard of and learned something new. I often found myself checking out other sources to find even more now that my whistle had been whet!
I highly recommend!
March 20, 2024
it has its moments of “this was definitely written by an academic” — by which i mean it feels like a research paper (slightly unfinished because there is so much info missing, but that’s the nature of history so whatev) — but it picks up towards the end
May 28, 2024
This details the lives of 20 rebels or rulebreakers throughout history. From the founder of the Red Cross to the queen of the kingdom of Kush, this covers stories highlighting figures who might not be well known and were far from conventional.
September 20, 2024
I liked these short stories of historical figures. The author says their goal is to show the complexity and nuance to others who have lived before and, though the stories don't go too far in depth, they do a very good job bringing renewed life to historical events and figures
February 9, 2024
Interesting and well researched piece on characters in history that you’ve likely never heard of (literally). The rebels and unruly folks in this book span both time and types.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews