The list below is from the book 100 Women Who Shaped World History (Bluewood Books: San Francisco, CA, 1994), written by Gail Meyer Rolka.

The names in this list are listed in chronological order. This book does not purport to list the "most influential" women in history. The back cover states:

History is filled with thousands of people who have made significant accomplishments. However, among these are figures who have risen as true beacons of greatness--whose personal talent, striving and unique sense of vision have earned them a place in the annals of history. 100 Women Who Shaped World History provides capsule views of 100 such women whose indomitable spirit and desire to excel changed the course of world history. This book is a perfect desk reference for trivia fans and for anyone interested in learning more about the achievements and contributions of women.

The list below is from the book 100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century (Ladies' Home Journal Books: Des Moines, Iowa; 1998), edited by Lorraine Glennon.

The individuals in the book are categorized into groups (Activists and Politicians; Writers and Journalists; Doctors and Scientists; Entrepreneurs; Artists and Entertainers; Athletes; Pioneers and Adventurers), and presented alphabetically within each group. The book does not attempt to rank these individuals, aside from identifying them collectively as the top 100 most influential women of the 20th Century.

Text from inside book jacket:

Women found their voice in the 20th Century. No longer silent and passive, no longer confined to kitchens and bedrooms, women today are educators and athletes, politicians and activists, doctors and adventurers. Women entrepreneurs boldly lead in business. Women scientists make breakthrough discoveries. Women journalists and writers suggest new ways of examining issues and events.

As we head into the new millennium, one thing is certain: Women will never be the same. Neither will the world. Selected by a team of several top women historians from across the nation and the editors of Ladies' Home Journal, the women in this book helped bring about this major transformation.

Narrowing the choice down to just 100 names was a daunting task. But some names practically suggested themselves. What would the world be like without Eleanor Roosevelt's compassionate local action? Or Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, which drew attention to the perils that unchecked pesticides held for our environment? Where would we be without the liberating message of freedom and equality from impassioned women like Betty Friedan, Margaret Sanger, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Gloria Steinem?

Not everyone will agree with every choice made for this book. But let's face. One hundred volumes wouldn't do justice to the accomplishments of women in this past century. The women in this book will influence our lives for untold years to come.