The History Press lands Murdoch Perkins' Regina: The Queens Who Could Have Been

The History Press has landed Emily Murdoch Perkins’ non-fiction debut, Regina: The Queens Who Could Have Been.

Commissioning editor Claire Hopkins acquired world all-language rights from Kate Walsh at United Agents Ltd. The book will be published in October 2024.

Regina is a "highly readable but well-researched popular history with a feminist lens". The synopsis reads: "In Regina we are introduced to little known women, born to royals who themselves never had a chance on the throne, as the queens who they could have been: political intriguers, abducted nuns who demanded divorces, murderers. The book will trace 26 daughters from the 870s to 1965 to challenge expectations of women in the royal family, highlight forgotten potential leaders, and intertwine royal history and little-known family politics within monarchical dynasties along the way."

Perkins commented: "It’s been a dream of mine, after my academic studies and love of heritage, to shine a light on women from the past that should be household names."

Hopkins added: "With historical rigour and storytelling flair, Emily’s background as a medievalist and author of historical fiction means that she’s perfectly poised to bring these colourful and dynamic women back to life. Some of our greatest monarchs have been queens, the late Elizabeth II being no exception, so it’s a fascinating time to consider the reigns we might have seen had it been the rule, not the exception."