Ruling Women, Volume 2
- 214 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Ruling Women is a two-volume study devoted to an analysis of the conflicting discourses concerning government by women in seventeenth-century France.
Queenship and PowerSeries
This series delves into the intricate ways female consorts and regnants navigated patriarchal structures to wield political power. Through gender analysis and historical research, the works uncover the strategies and challenges faced by women in positions of influence, both on and off the throne. Its scope extends beyond European monarchies to encompass East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Islamic civilizations, offering a global perspective on queenship across diverse cultures and eras.
Recommended Reading Order
This is the first edition ever of the Queen’s correspondence in Italian. These letters cast a new light on her talents as a linguist and provide interesting details as to her political agenda, and on the cultural milieu of her court. This book provides a fresh analysis of the surviving evidence concerning Elizabeth’s learning and use of Italian, and of the activity of the members of her ‘Foreign Office.’ All of the documents transcribed here are accompanied by a short introduction focusing on their content and context, a brief description of their transmission history, and an English translation.
History, Fiction, and The Tudors
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
In this volume twenty distinguished scholars separate documented history, plausible invention, and outright fantasy in a lively series of scholarly, but accessible and engaging essays.
Queenship and Counsel in Early Modern Europe
- 284 pages
- 10 hours of reading
The discourse of political counsel in early modern Europe depended on the participation of men, as both counsellors and counselled. Women were often thought too irrational or imprudent to give or receive political advice—but they did in unprecedented numbers, as this volume shows. These essays trace the relationship between queenship and counsel through over three hundred years of history. Case studies span Europe, from Sweden and Poland-Lithuania via the Habsburg territories to England and France, and feature queens regnant, consort and regent, including Elizabeth I of England, Catherine Jagiellon of Sweden, Catherine de’ Medici and Anna of Denmark. They draw on a variety of innovative sources to recover evidence of queenly counsel, from treatises and letters to poetry, masques and architecture. For scholars of history, politics and literature in early modern Europe, this book enriches our understanding of royal women as political actors.
Yolande of Aragon (1381-1442) Family and Power
The Reverse of the Tapestry
- 308 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Yolande of Aragon emerges as a pivotal yet enigmatic figure in late medieval history, skillfully navigating the political landscape from both behind the scenes and in the public eye. Her intelligence and strategic acumen were crucial in securing the French throne for Charles VII and preserving her family's legacy. This scholarly assessment by Rohr sheds light on the significant yet often overlooked influence of this powerful queen in the 15th century, highlighting her role as a masterful diplomat and political strategist.
The Diary of Queen Maria Carolina of Naples, 1781-1785
New Evidence of Queenship at Court
- 424 pages
- 15 hours of reading
This work offers a new portrayal of Queen Maria Carolina of Naples as a woman of power with weaknesses and ambitions, and analyzes the Queen's actions, from her political choices to her alliance and betrayals. A careful examination of the period (1781-1785) covered by the diary shows that the daily life of the Queen and offers key evidence of her political acumen and her personal relationships. Recca cross-analyses unpublished personal documents, which include the integral diary and private correspondence. The book focuses on the political influence that Queen Maria Carolina wielded beside her husband, King Ferdinand IV, and the criticism that has been made by contemporary historians and intellectuals who have often tended to discredit the sovereign for personal rather than political reasons.
The Last Plantagenet Consorts
Gender, Genre, and Historiography, 1440-1627
- 267 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Focusing on fifteenth-century British queens, this book delves into the intersection of literature and history to explore their roles and representations. It analyzes how these queens influenced political landscapes and cultural narratives of their time, shedding light on their legacies through various literary works. By intertwining historical context with literary analysis, the book offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding these royal figures and their impact on society.
Elizabeth of York and Her Six Daughters-in-Law
Fashioning Tudor Queenship, 14851547
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
the book offers a comparative analysis of early modern queenship, focusing on Elizabeth of York and the six queens of Henry VIII. It highlights the traditional expectations of Tudor queens, particularly their role in producing heirs, while also exploring their broader contributions to court life. By examining their experiences in various roles—such as mothers, diplomats, and managers—the study reveals unexpected contrasts and connections among these influential women, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact beyond mere biography.
Scholars and Poets Talk About Queens
- 324 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Scholars and Poets Talk About Queens is a lively and erudite collection, unusual in an especially appealing way.
This groundbreaking book explores how Elizabeth I utilized the discourse of love to assert her political power and independence regarding marriage. It analyzes her self-representation through speeches and poetry, highlighting her influence on the social discourse of conjugal freedom and women's rights during the Elizabethan era.
Queenship, Gender, and Reputation in the Medieval and Early Modern West, 1060-1600
- 214 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This edited collection offers fresh perspectives on queenship in lesser-studied regions, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and geographic diversity of the field. It redefines the reputations of both women and men associated with queenship, addressing questions about its nature, the reputation of queens, and gender roles in the medieval and early modern West. The essays critically examine the impact of propaganda, gossip, and rumor that have shaped the narratives of some queens in modern histories. Contributors expand the geographic scope of queenship studies beyond France and England to include overlooked areas such as Sweden and Hungary. Even essays on more familiar nations delve into less-explored topics, like the influence of Edward II’s stepmother, Margaret of France, on Gaveston’s downfall. The chapters share a cohesive theme, and the editors provide a valuable summary to guide readers. Organized into two sections—“Biography, Gossip, and History” and “Politics, Ambition, and Scandal”—the collection features contributions from leading scholars, including Zita Eva Rohr and Elena Woodacre, who engage with contemporary scholarship. This work will attract literary and gender studies scholars, as well as historians interested in the featured countries.
The Monstrous Regiment of Women
- 324 pages
- 12 hours of reading
In The Monstrous Regiment of Women, Sharon Jansen examines the debate on female rule by analyzing theorists from Sir John Fortescue to Bishop Bossuet, highlighting early modern queens. This perspective reshapes our understanding of European political history, focusing on powerful women and their political alliances instead of just kings.
Ruling Women, Volume 1
- 229 pages
- 9 hours of reading
In Government, Virtue, and the Female Prince in Seventeenth-Century France, the first volume of the two-volume study, the author examines the dominant discourse which excludes women from political authority before turning to the configuration of women and rulership in the pro-woman and egalitarian discourses of the period.
Ruling Women, Volume 2
Configuring the Female Prince in Seventeenth-Century French Drama
- 228 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Focusing on seventeenth-century French drama, this volume explores over 30 plays that reflect the complexities of female governance. Conroy examines how these works address cultural anxieties surrounding women in power, with some texts promoting political virtue among women and challenging traditional gender norms. The analysis highlights the theatre's role as both a supporter and challenger of societal power dynamics. This innovative study will engage scholars interested in drama, political thought, and the historical context of women's roles in governance and feminism.