An illuminating exploration of 31 incredible womenacross art, architecture, dance, literature, and morewhose culture-defining contributions have, until now, been overshadowed by their role as "muses" to history's better-known men. What does it mean to be someone's "muse"? Historically, to be called a muse among artistic circles has been marketed as a flattering title. It is a commendation that most often refers to a woman whose vivacity and beauty are the source of inspiration for a (usually) male artist or creator. Perhaps her inspiring presence is even credited in the story of his success. But the very concept of a muse underestimates these women and their abilities. At its root, muse is a support role, the title a consolation prize that claims to recognize a womans greatnessbut only in her support of another.I'm Not Your Musereclaims the narrative of 31 of these extraordinary women, from "The Mother of the Movies" Alice Guy-Blache to Modernist designer Eileen Gray, prima ballerina Maria Tallchief, storied Harlem Renaissance editor Jessie Redmon Fauset, and many more. Each of these women advanced the narrative of culture and society, pushing the boundaries of visual arts, dance and movement, commercial architecture, music, journalism, and the performing arts. Whether by historical accident or cruel design, their contributions have historically been overshadowed by those of their male counterparts, and often collaborators. In this briskly written, incisively researched compendium, author and researcher Lori Zimmer repositions these women as the main characters of their own lives. Each profile is accented with original illustrationsincluding jaunty portraits in playfully constructed framesby artist Maria Krasinski. Together, theyhighlight the contemporary accomplishments and historical legacies of a wide-ranging group of revolutionary women. Featured women include: Louise Blanchard Bethune Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore Minnette de Silva Clara Driscoll Jessie Redmon Fauset Loie Fuller Martha Gellhorn Eileen Gray Belle da Costa Greene Alice Guy-Blache Miss La La Edmonia Lewis Neysa McMein Hildreth Meiere Lucia Moholy May and Jane Morris Na Hye-Sok Fernande Olivier Pan Yuliang Ethel Reed Clara Rockmore Ada Bricktop Smith Maria Tallchief Alice B. Toklas Suzanne Valadon Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven Leonora Carrington Remedios Varo Kati Horna