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When We Ruled

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The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors

'A searing, nourishing journey through a history the world needs' - Bettany Hughes, bestselling author of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

'Please read it!' - Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women

'Poetic and fierce' - Olivette Otele, author of African Europeans

'An exciting and rich work for anyone who is curious about African history' - Paterson Joseph, author of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho

'Beautiful and thought-provoking' - Stylist

There are women who ruled vast swathes of the African continent. They led, loved and fought for their kingdoms and people and their impact can still be felt today. However, beyond the lands they called home, so few of us have heard their names.

From pre-colonial Nigeria to the rich plains of Rwanda, from the hills of Madagascar to apartheid South Africa, historian Akpan traces the lives of these powerful queens and takes you on a spellbinding, enrapturing and immersive journey that is nothing short of revelatory.

Beautifully researched and filled with fascinating stories of royalty, ancient civilisations, conquest and colonisation, When We Ruled is a gripping new history where women take centre stage.

'A rich, sumptuous and beautifully written tapestry' - Candice Carty-Williams, bestselling author of Queenie

'A treasure trove' - Bolu Babalola, bestselling author of Love in Colour and Honey & Spice


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An <em>anti-racist</em> social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.
About Amplify Bookstore

An anti-racist social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.

Only about 11% of books published are by BIPOC authors — so unless you specifically seek out books by BIPOC authors, you aren't likely to find very many of them organically. At Amplify, BIPOC authors are highlighted and celebrated. Here, they don't have to fight to be seen, and you don't have to fight to find them.

We hope that in our shop, you can discover a new favourite read, find stories that speak uniquely to you, learn about a culture outside your own (or more about your own histories), and gain a better understanding of the systems that connect us all.

Learn more about us

I’ve discovered so many new-to-me authors and the owners are so generous in their recommendations. Don’t follow the trends, set them! - let Amplify broaden your reading and sharpen your mind.

- Danielle B

If you're looking to expand your book collection to hear voices, perspectives and stories that aren't on blast from mainstream outlets then make your way here as quickly as you can.

- Samantha S

Within are thoughtfully curated books, and I was amazed to see a great diversity of authors. The atmosphere is cosy, calm and relaxed – just the perfect way to start my Sunday!

- Michelle W

I loved how inclusive this space was, there were dyslexia friendly books and a space for books about queer love, a bit of something for everyone.

- Sherine A

Looking for something super specific?

Have a scroll through our tag directory to help direct your search and bring you to curated collections, as grouped by subgenres, identity markers, and more!

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