No partner? No problem! From economic independence to personal passions and everything in between, this guide profiles women who have had different reasons why they have chosen to remain single all throughout history that have nothing to do with the tragic trope of “spinsters.”

What do novelist Jane Austen, suffragist Susan B. Anthony, and Hollywood icon Greta Garbo have in common? They all subverted societal expectations and carved unique paths in history by remaining single and childless. There are many reasons why a woman might choose to remain single, from challenging gender norms, to financial independence, to the dislike of marriage as an institution. 

Author Emma Duval categorizes iconic and overlooked single women in history based on their motivations for singledom, celebrating their choice in a world that maligned the very notion. With captivating profiles of these inspiring women, Duval memorializes her heroes in this accessible and iconic guide.