Cleopatra is one of the most vibrant and compelling characters in the history of the world—but who was she, really? Schiff’s biography dusts off the real woman underneath all the myth and misunderstanding, and finds a shrewd politician, a leader, and a warrior.

Drawing on newly available sources, Jung Chang comprehensively overturns Cixi’s reputation as a conservative despot. Cixi’s extraordinary reign saw the birth of modern China. Under her, the ancient country attained industries, railways, electricity, and a military with up-to-date weaponry. She abolished foot-binding, inaugurated women’s liberation, and embarked on a path to introduce voting rights. Packed with drama, this groundbreaking biography powerfully reforms our view of a crucial period in China’s—and the world’s—history. 

Rachel Swaby covers Nobel Prize winners and major innovators, as well as lesser-known but hugely significant scientists who influence our every day. These profiles span centuries of courageous thinkers and illustrate how each one's ideas developed—from their first moment of scientific engagement through the research and discovery for which they're best known.

Starting in World War II and moving through to the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race, Hidden Figures follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African-American women who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades as they faced challenges, forged alliances, and used their intellect to change their own lives—and their country’s future.

Misty Copeland makes history as she tells the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theater. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious 13-year-old to become one of America’s most groundbreaking dancers. A true prodigy, she was attempting roles in mere months that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

In the pages, you’ll find new photos and correspondence from cartoonists Ethel Hays and Edwina Dumm, and the true story of Golden Age comic book star Lily Renee that's as intriguing as the comics she drew. Although the comics profession was dominated by men, there were far more women working in the profession throughout the 20th century than other histories indicate, and they have flourished in the 21st. Robbins not only documents the increasing relevance of women throughout the 20th century, with mainstream creators and alternative cartoonists, but the latest generation of women cartoonists.

In a landmark book, an extraordinary young woman recounts her coming-of-age as a transgender teen—a deeply personal and empowering portrait of self-revelation, adversity, and heroism. In 2011, Marie Claire magazine published a profile of Janet Mock in which she publicly stepped forward for the first time as a trans woman. Since then, Mock has gone from covering the red carpet for People.com to advocating for all those who live within the shadows of society. Redefining Realness offers a bold new perspective on being young, multiracial, economically challenged, and transgender in America.