Mavericks Audiobook By Jenny Draper cover art

Mavericks

Life Stories and Lessons of History's Most Extraordinary Misfits

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Mavericks

By: Jenny Draper
Narrated by: Jenny Draper
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About this listen

In her first book, popular TikTok historian J Draper uses her characteristic wit and intellect to introduce us to extraordinary figures marginalized by history, and the lessons we can learn from them.

Witty and engaging TikTok historian J.D. Draper digs out unusual stories of individuals that have shaped the world, and discovers the lessons their unique experiences can teach us.

Breaking away from history as told through the lens of kings, queens and nobles, this book instead lifts the lid on 24 fascinating stories of little-known underdogs, mavericks, trailblazers and oddballs. Through these stories you will meet characters such as:

The Chevalier d'Eon–a fencing master, spy and diplomat who came out as a woman in 18th-century London

Ellen and William Craft–a married couple who made a daring escape from slavery in the American south

Peter the Wild Boy–a child found living in the woods in Germany who was taken to the royal court in England

Caroline Herschel–the first British woman to be paid for scientific work, and a discoverer of comets

William Buckland–the man who wrote the first account of a dinosaur–yet who also ate the heart of a French king

Eleanor Rykener–a gender-bending sex worker from medieval England who spilled juicy gossip about her clients in the clergy

Juliana Popjoy–a society beauty who lived in a tree for years

Paul Robeson–athlete, singer, actor, polyglot, activist... and handsome to boot

The Rebecca Rioters–a roving crowd of Welshmen who destroyed tollbooths dressed in skirts and bonnets.

These poignant and often hilarious true stories show us that the world as we know it was built by a wider array of historical figures than we experienced in our schoolbooks.

©2025 Jenny Draper (P)2025 Watkins Publishing
Women World Royalty England Funny Witty Celebrity France King

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Performance of the Author was captivating

The reading by the author was very expressive without being overwhelming. The subject matter brings enlightening insights into the past with a twist on history in the light of the present day.

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A Celebration of Humanity

These are the stories and histories I wish I could have learned about in school but never got the chance, until now. To reflect on those who crossed barriers and defied norms, and perhaps inspire others to do the same. Thank you J. Draper

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soooo glad it was read by the author

Funny, interesting, and more than worth the cost. If you’ve ever watched one of j. Drapers videos you’ll love the book.

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