Princesses Behaving Badly

Princesses Behaving Badly presents true stories of royal women throughout history who defied expectations and social norms. The book profiles princesses and queens who were warriors, rebels, schemers, and rule-breakers from ancient times through the modern era. Each chapter focuses on a different category of "bad" behavior, from murderous monarchs to partying princesses to women who seized power through cunning or force. The narratives draw from historical records and contemporary accounts to reconstruct these lesser-known stories of royal women who refused to conform. The format combines historical research with accessible storytelling, moving beyond fairy tale tropes to examine the real lives and choices of these controversial figures. The book includes details about the social and political contexts that shaped each princess's actions. By highlighting these overlooked stories, the book challenges romanticized views of historical princesses and explores themes of power, gender roles, and societal constraints placed on women of noble birth. The narratives reveal how some royal women navigated, resisted, or completely rejected the strict expectations imposed upon them.

Readers appreciate the book's casual, humorous tone and its spotlight on lesser-known historical women. Many note it serves as a counterpoint to sanitized Disney princess stories, with one reader calling it "a reality check on royal fairy tales." Readers like: - Quick, digestible chapters - Mix of familiar and obscure historical figures - Detailed source notes and citations - Engaging storytelling style Common criticisms: - Surface-level coverage of complex stories - Occasional factual errors - Modern slang feels out of place - Too much focus on European royalty Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (380+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (40+ ratings) Several readers noted the book works better as a casual introduction rather than serious history. One reviewer said "It's like gossiping about historical figures with a knowledgeable friend" while another called it "history lite - fun but not deep."

Bad Girls Throughout History by Sarah Shen A collection of 100 revolutionary women who challenged societal norms and changed the course of history through rebellion, innovation, or infamy.

Rejected Princesses by Jason Porath The untold stories of women from history, mythology, and folklore who fought, ruled, and rebelled against expectations.

Game of Crowns by Christopher Andersen The examination of power dynamics between Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla Parker Bowles, and Kate Middleton reveals the complex reality of modern royal women.

Sex with Kings by Eleanor Herman The chronicles of royal mistresses throughout European history expose the political influence and personal cost of being a monarch's favorite.

Lives of Extraordinary Women by Kathleen Krull The biographies of twenty female rulers, warriors, and revolutionaries demonstrate how they shaped world events despite cultural restrictions.

🏰 Many of the princesses featured in the book were previously unknown to Western audiences, including Princess Pingyang of Tang Dynasty China, who raised and commanded an army of 70,000 soldiers to help her father claim the throne. 👑 The book challenges Disney-style princess stereotypes by showcasing royal women who were pirates, warriors, murderers, and revolutionaries rather than passive damsels in distress. 📚 Author Linda Rodriguez McRobbie spent over two years researching historical documents, royal archives, and contemporary accounts to verify the stories included in the book. ⚔️ The book is divided into six themed sections: Warriors, Usurpers, Schemers, Survivors, Partiers, and Floozies - each examining different ways princesses rebelled against societal expectations. 🗝️ Several princesses featured in the book were erased from official histories due to their scandalous behavior, including Princess Caraboo, who successfully convinced an entire English town she was an exotic royal from a fictional island.