By: Trent Marlowe
By all appearances, Badass Bitches of History: 31 Unconventional, Strong, Defiant Women Who Changed The World is not your average history book. From the bold title to the sharp-edged prose, Harrison Klein’s April 2025 release doesn’t just recount historical facts—it ignites them. This daring tribute to female power spans centuries and cultures, shining a fierce spotlight on women who disrupted systems, defied norms, and shaped history on their own terms.
Since its publication, Badass Bitches of History has resonated with readers seeking stories that highlight strength and resilience. Through profiles of 31 women—from ancient leaders to present-day changemakers—Klein presents more than biography; he crafts a manifesto for courage, competence, and uncompromising leadership.
A Reclamation, Not a Provocation
In an exclusive Q&A, author Harrison Klein explains his motivation behind the project: “I’m constantly surrounded by powerful, formidable women who are too often overlooked or mischaracterized. Society tends to label them as ‘bitches’ when they break the mold or refuse to conform. This book is a reclamation of that label.”
Far from a flippant title, Badass Bitches of History redefines the slur with reverence. Klein even recasts “B.I.T.C.H.” as an acronym: Beautiful, Intense, Trustworthy, Competent, and Harmonious—qualities embodied by each woman in the book. “Being a badass isn’t about being cruel,” he says. “It’s about owning your strength, authority, and voice.”
The Challenge of Telling Erased Stories
One of the biggest hurdles Klein faced in writing the book was ensuring authenticity and respectful representation of diverse women, especially those marginalized in mainstream history. “Many of these women were erased or diminished in historical records,” he says. “Piecing together their stories with accuracy and dignity required serious research and deep respect.”
Each profile is the result of deliberate scholarship, framed not just around accomplishments but the social, political, and cultural environments these women navigated. Whether it’s the calculated rebellion of Cleopatra or the steely resolve of Sojourner Truth, Klein explores how context shaped their strategies—but not their courage.
“Every woman faced a unique cultural backdrop,” he explains, “but many of the challenges were strikingly similar—patriarchy, suppression, dismissal. What differed was how they adapted: the culture shaped their tools, but not their bravery.”
More Than a Collection—A Blueprint
The book is divided thematically, bound by five key traits that Klein identifies as common among these women: No Compromise, Confidence, Competence, Self-Esteem, and Safety. Interestingly, he says, “none of these women prioritized safety. They lived—and often led—on the edge.”
For Klein, the standout qualities are those that drove these women to act even when the stakes were life or death. “Their fierce confidence, refusal to compromise, and undeniable competence under pressure—that’s what struck me over and over,” he says.
Each chapter includes not only the subject’s biography, but also reflection prompts and interactive activities designed to help readers internalize the lessons and apply them in their own lives. From leadership exercises to self-esteem journaling, Badass Bitches of History becomes more than educational—it’s transformational.
A Personal Connection to Power
When asked which figure he relates to most, Klein refuses to pick a favorite. “That’s impossible—like asking a parent to pick a favorite child,” he laughs. “Every woman in this book commands admiration, and I see facets of myself in each of them.”
That sentiment resonates with the book’s ultimate aim: to help readers see themselves in these stories. “I want every young woman or marginalized reader to feel seen, inspired, and equipped to rise,” Klein says. “This book offers both a blueprint and a rallying cry.”
Living Legacies in the Modern Era
The final chapters of the book connect the past to the present by featuring contemporary trailblazers like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg. Klein sees them as “living proof that age is no barrier to challenging power.”
But today’s activists face new challenges. “They’re fighting the same kinds of resistance historic women faced—only now, the battleground includes digital platforms, global media, and rapid public scrutiny,” he notes. The stakes are just as high, if not higher.
A Timely Testament
In an era of increasing polarization and cultural upheaval, Badass Bitches of History lands like a thunderclap—a clear, resonant call to rise, resist, and remember. Klein’s book doesn’t just rewrite history; it reclaims it. With raw honesty and reverent insight, it shows that defiance isn’t disorder—it’s often the first step toward justice.
For readers seeking stories of courage, complexity, and change, this book doesn’t just educate. It electrifies.
Available Now
Badass Bitches of History: 31 Unconventional, Strong, Defiant Women Who Changed the World by Harrison Klein — available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon, and other major retailers.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author, Harrison Klein, and do not constitute professional advice. While the article highlights the achievements of historical women, individual interpretations of history may vary. No claims or guarantees regarding outcomes are made in relation to the content presented. Readers are encouraged to explore further sources and perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.
