This work investigates the life, political influence, and historical contributions of Anna Comnena, the Byzantine princess and historian. Georgina Buckler provides a detailed examination of Comnena's role within the imperial court, her education, and her eventual exile. By analyzing primary sources and the political climate of the 12th century, the author constructs a comprehensive portrait of a woman navigating the complexities of Byzantine power dynamics.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this work as a foundational, albeit dense, biographical study of one of the most prominent female figures in medieval history. Readers often note the academic rigor and the extensive use of primary source material, making it a standard reference for those studying the Byzantine period.