A compilation of letters written by forty women presents a collection of wisdom, advice, and insights that they wish they had possessed when they were younger but instead had to learn the hard way.

An account of some of history's most inspiring women. In addition to the main stories, readers will find mini biographies of other incredible, trailblazing women across a number of fields.

"Women's participation in parliaments, high courts, and executive offices worldwide has reached record high numbers, but this global increase in women's representation masks significant variation among different democratic political systems. For example, in December of 2009, Rwanda's legislature contained 56% women, while the U.S. Congress contained only about 17% and the Japanese Diet had only 11%. Since 2000, only twenty-seven women have achieved...