This short essay reflects upon the major scholarly contribution represented by two new volumes on the history of women’s international thought. Drawing comparisons with diplomatic history as a field in which women have been similarly marginalised, the essay argues that these volumes succeed brilliantly in deploying gender as an analytical tool in order to radically revision the history of international thought. The essay concludes by posing a challenge to the utility of ‘the canon’ as an organising category for feminist historical projects.