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Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric
She was born on a bitterly cold December night in 1626 and, in the candlelight, mistakenly declared a boy. On her father's death six years later, she inherited the Swedish throne. She was tutored by Descartes, yet could swear like the roughest soldier. She was painted a lesbian, a prostitute, a hermaphrodite, and an atheist; in that tumultuous age, it is hard to determine which was the most damning label. She was learned but restless, progressive yet self-indulgent; her leadership was erratic, her character unpredictable. Sweden was too narrow for her ambition. No sooner had she enjoyed the lavish celebrations of her officialcoronation at twenty-three than she abdicated, converting to Catholicism (an act of almost foolhardy independence and political challenge) and leaving her cold homeland behind for an extravagant new life in Rome. Christina, Queen of Sweden, longed fatally for adventure. Freed from her crown, Christina cut a breath-taking path across spending madly, searching for a more prestigious throne to scale, stirring trouble wherever she went. Supported and encouraged in turn by the pope, the king of Spain, and France's powerful Cardinal Mazarin, Christina settled at the luxurious Palazzo Farnese, where she established a lavish salon for Rome's artists and intellectuals. More than once the cross-dressing queen was forced to leave town until a scandal died down. She loved to buckle on a sword and swagger like the men whose company she adored, but the greatest mystery in her life was the true nature of her elusive sexuality, which biographer Veronica Buckley explores with sensitivity and rigor. For a time it seemed there was nothing this extraordinary woman might fear attempting, until a bloody tragedy of her own making foreshadowed her downfall. Pairing painstaking research with a sparkling narrative voice and unerring sense of the age, Veronica Buckley reclaims a protean life that had been preserved mostly as myth. Christina was a child of her time, and her time was one of great Europe stood at a crossroads where religion and science, antiquity and modernity, peace and war all met. Christina took what she wanted from each to create the life she most desired, and she dazzled all who met her.
370 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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April 24, 2015It's a lie that all biographers and in love with their subject, and I get the feeling that Buckley doesn't actually like Christina very much. But then it's difficult to write a biography of somebody who didn't achieve anything, who was a monarch and quit, and was then a dilletante. I read this because I came across Christina in an article on poisoning and thought she sounded fascinating -- the book left me feeling she's less fascinating and more pathetic.
I sometimes read biography as an introduction to a place and time -- human lives cut across neat historical periodization, and biographers do not assume previous knowledge in a reader. If you wanted an introduction to seventeenth century Baroque Europe, this might be a good start.
I wanted the story of a queen who gave up her throne, dressed in men's clothing, moved to Rome, befriended Descartes and Bernini, and I did get that, but without it being any fun. Christina's life was wasted and petty, and reading the detail left me saddened.
I sometimes read biography as an introduction to a place and time -- human lives cut across neat historical periodization, and biographers do not assume previous knowledge in a reader. If you wanted an introduction to seventeenth century Baroque Europe, this might be a good start.
I wanted the story of a queen who gave up her throne, dressed in men's clothing, moved to Rome, befriended Descartes and Bernini, and I did get that, but without it being any fun. Christina's life was wasted and petty, and reading the detail left me saddened.
May 13, 2014
Christina the Dabbler
Everyone knows of the great Virgin Queen of England, Elizabeth I. With the “heart and stomach of a king”, she was able to move England into the forefront of the European community. But what of the other Virgin Queen, Christina of Sweden? Born just a generation after Elizabeth, the young Christina succeeded to the throne as a child. Her seemingly great intellect promised the start of a epic age in Sweden, which had become a military power under her father and seemed poised to become intellectual power as well.
Of course, this didn’t happen. Most people are unfamiliar with Christina and that is why I read the book. Author Veronica Buckley has done an excellent job portraying the life of Christina. Many have criticized her approach to her subject, since it is evident in the book that the author doesn’t particularly care for Christina. Personally, I found this refreshing. I don’t think a biographer has to love or admire the focus of their work, but they must find them interesting. Christina was certainly a very interesting woman. As I read the book, I gave her my own appellation…rather than Christina the Great, or Christina the Terrible, I began to think of her as Christina the Dabbler. Provided with a fine education, Christina began to think of herself as an intellectual. Unfortunately, Christina could never stay with one subject long enough to master it. Her interests changed constantly and she longed for greater access to the great salons and museums of Paris and Rome. The cold and rugged conditions of Sweden definitely did not sit well with her plans. So in her mid-twenties, she abdicated the throne and converted to Catholicism. It was at this point, that Christina began to dress almost exclusively in men’s clothing and swore that she would never marry nor have children.
Christina made her way to Rome, where she was received as a prized convert. But rather than simply retire and fulfill her intellectual needs, she began scheming right way to thrust herself back in politics. But Christina was also a great dissembler…she never told the truth when a lie would serve her better. She believed herself to be one of the great political minds of her time and her schemes seldom came to fruition. She was not afraid to pull the “queen” card and spent most of her time worrying about seating arrangements (the queen sat in an arm chair while others had to stand or sit on a backless stool). Buckely provides a portrait of a woman who cast herself adrift by her own actions and spent the rest of her life at loose ends. I found the book to be extremely well written and while I didn’t come to admire Christina, I found her life fascinating.
Everyone knows of the great Virgin Queen of England, Elizabeth I. With the “heart and stomach of a king”, she was able to move England into the forefront of the European community. But what of the other Virgin Queen, Christina of Sweden? Born just a generation after Elizabeth, the young Christina succeeded to the throne as a child. Her seemingly great intellect promised the start of a epic age in Sweden, which had become a military power under her father and seemed poised to become intellectual power as well.
Of course, this didn’t happen. Most people are unfamiliar with Christina and that is why I read the book. Author Veronica Buckley has done an excellent job portraying the life of Christina. Many have criticized her approach to her subject, since it is evident in the book that the author doesn’t particularly care for Christina. Personally, I found this refreshing. I don’t think a biographer has to love or admire the focus of their work, but they must find them interesting. Christina was certainly a very interesting woman. As I read the book, I gave her my own appellation…rather than Christina the Great, or Christina the Terrible, I began to think of her as Christina the Dabbler. Provided with a fine education, Christina began to think of herself as an intellectual. Unfortunately, Christina could never stay with one subject long enough to master it. Her interests changed constantly and she longed for greater access to the great salons and museums of Paris and Rome. The cold and rugged conditions of Sweden definitely did not sit well with her plans. So in her mid-twenties, she abdicated the throne and converted to Catholicism. It was at this point, that Christina began to dress almost exclusively in men’s clothing and swore that she would never marry nor have children.
Christina made her way to Rome, where she was received as a prized convert. But rather than simply retire and fulfill her intellectual needs, she began scheming right way to thrust herself back in politics. But Christina was also a great dissembler…she never told the truth when a lie would serve her better. She believed herself to be one of the great political minds of her time and her schemes seldom came to fruition. She was not afraid to pull the “queen” card and spent most of her time worrying about seating arrangements (the queen sat in an arm chair while others had to stand or sit on a backless stool). Buckely provides a portrait of a woman who cast herself adrift by her own actions and spent the rest of her life at loose ends. I found the book to be extremely well written and while I didn’t come to admire Christina, I found her life fascinating.
July 24, 2021
3 stelle e mezzo 🌟🌟🌟
Tutti almeno una volta abbiamo trovato nei libri scolastici il nome di Cristina di Svezia, la regina che abdicò al trono, si convertì alla religione cattolica e si trasferì a Roma. E in tutti i libri di scuola viene descritta come una figura positiva, mecenate e fondatrice di un'Accademia, ma quanto è vero tutto ciò?!
Questo libro mi ha portato a vedere con occhi nuovi la figura di questa Minerva del Nord, come era definita dai suoi connazionali, che di Minerva aveva ben poco..si appassionava velocemente, ma anche velocemente si disinteressava subito delle materie che un momento prima l'avevano catturata: filosofia, storia, religione, alchimia, astronomia la interessavano ma un attimo dopo le metteva da parte. Ad esempio chiamò alla sua corte il grande Cartesio per poi abbandonare il suo nato interesse per le teorie del filosofo. Forse le sue uniche passioni durature furono la musica e il teatro.
Cristina nasce nel 1626 sotto l'ombra dorata del padre condottiero Gustavo Adolfo Vasa, soprannominato il Leone del Nord, e cresce con l'idea di emulare e addirittura superare i suoi eroi: il padre e Alessandro Magno.
Cosa che non avverrà mai perché la regina si credeva grandiosa, intelligente e dotata di genio politico, ma in realtà era poco avveduta. Si credeva astuta, ma ogni sua mossa le si rivolgeva contro e lei manco se ne accorgeva. Non apportò nessun contributo per rendere all'avanguardia il suo paese anzi creò solo danni. Inoltre, era sanguigna, dedita a scoppi d'ira, voleva sempre avere l'ultima parola e aveva un fisico cagionevole. Le sue uniche qualità erano l'abilità nel conversare e l'abilità come cavallerizza.
La descrizione di Cristina fu sempre la stessa in tutte le persone che la incontrarono : bassa, con una spalla più alta dell'altra, bruttina, con tratti mascolini, ma con splendidi occhi azzurri. Portava i capelli corti nascosti da parrucche e vestiva, cosa disarmante per l'epoca, da uomo con pantaloni e corsetti e portava sempre appresso una spada.
Rifiutò sempre il matrimonio e forse anche per questo motivo che intorno alla sua persona circolarono voci su un suo presunto lesbismo, per altri invece era ermafrodita. Ma in realtà Cristina si innamorò e si affezzionò sia di uomini che di donne, forse perché in realtà le mancava una figura fedele e di riferimento al suo fianco. La sua ingenuità la portò a circondarsi e a fidarsi di persone che si approffittarono di lei.
La mancanza continua di soldi la portarono a vendere e impegnare molti dei suoi beni e non potè mai realizzare pienamente l'idea di essere una mecenate e di creare una corte culturale e attiva a Palazzo Riario, nonostante l'amicizia che la legava a molti Cardinali, artisti e intellettuali come Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
In Cristina l'ideale di grandezza per la sua persona si scontrò con la dura realtà dei fatti
Tutti almeno una volta abbiamo trovato nei libri scolastici il nome di Cristina di Svezia, la regina che abdicò al trono, si convertì alla religione cattolica e si trasferì a Roma. E in tutti i libri di scuola viene descritta come una figura positiva, mecenate e fondatrice di un'Accademia, ma quanto è vero tutto ciò?!
Questo libro mi ha portato a vedere con occhi nuovi la figura di questa Minerva del Nord, come era definita dai suoi connazionali, che di Minerva aveva ben poco..si appassionava velocemente, ma anche velocemente si disinteressava subito delle materie che un momento prima l'avevano catturata: filosofia, storia, religione, alchimia, astronomia la interessavano ma un attimo dopo le metteva da parte. Ad esempio chiamò alla sua corte il grande Cartesio per poi abbandonare il suo nato interesse per le teorie del filosofo. Forse le sue uniche passioni durature furono la musica e il teatro.
Cristina nasce nel 1626 sotto l'ombra dorata del padre condottiero Gustavo Adolfo Vasa, soprannominato il Leone del Nord, e cresce con l'idea di emulare e addirittura superare i suoi eroi: il padre e Alessandro Magno.
Cosa che non avverrà mai perché la regina si credeva grandiosa, intelligente e dotata di genio politico, ma in realtà era poco avveduta. Si credeva astuta, ma ogni sua mossa le si rivolgeva contro e lei manco se ne accorgeva. Non apportò nessun contributo per rendere all'avanguardia il suo paese anzi creò solo danni. Inoltre, era sanguigna, dedita a scoppi d'ira, voleva sempre avere l'ultima parola e aveva un fisico cagionevole. Le sue uniche qualità erano l'abilità nel conversare e l'abilità come cavallerizza.
La descrizione di Cristina fu sempre la stessa in tutte le persone che la incontrarono : bassa, con una spalla più alta dell'altra, bruttina, con tratti mascolini, ma con splendidi occhi azzurri. Portava i capelli corti nascosti da parrucche e vestiva, cosa disarmante per l'epoca, da uomo con pantaloni e corsetti e portava sempre appresso una spada.
Rifiutò sempre il matrimonio e forse anche per questo motivo che intorno alla sua persona circolarono voci su un suo presunto lesbismo, per altri invece era ermafrodita. Ma in realtà Cristina si innamorò e si affezzionò sia di uomini che di donne, forse perché in realtà le mancava una figura fedele e di riferimento al suo fianco. La sua ingenuità la portò a circondarsi e a fidarsi di persone che si approffittarono di lei.
La mancanza continua di soldi la portarono a vendere e impegnare molti dei suoi beni e non potè mai realizzare pienamente l'idea di essere una mecenate e di creare una corte culturale e attiva a Palazzo Riario, nonostante l'amicizia che la legava a molti Cardinali, artisti e intellettuali come Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
In Cristina l'ideale di grandezza per la sua persona si scontrò con la dura realtà dei fatti
December 3, 2014
It's well-written, which is frankly the only compliment I could give it. The author completely bypasses one of the reasons Christina is a figure of interest - the questions surrounding her sexuality - and literally spends more time discussing the minutiae of Christina's coronation than delving into her sexual life. What's even more puzzling is that Veronica Buckley seems to dislike her subject. She constantly belittles Christina's intellectual achievements and contributions and sometimes gives the most negative interpretation possible of her actions. Honestly, if you're curious at all about Christina, you're better off reading Margaret Goldsmith's biography. True, it was published in 1933 and draws on a lot of outmoded psychological ideas, but at least Goldsmith doesn't have a barely disguised contempt for the figure she's writing about.
did-not-finish
January 17, 2024I only made it 60 pages in and it was clear just from the section on her childhood that the author hates her subject. I don't think absolute impartiality can be expected from a biographer, but this book goes so far in negatively interpreting every little thing about Christina that it really isn't worth reading. The author also doesn't quote many of her sources within the text, she just presents her (biased) interpretations and opinions, leaving the reader unable to form their own.
July 1, 2013
Christina, Queen of Sweden is doomed to forever be known as the cross-dressing queen who abdicated her Protestant throne and turned to Catholicism. Veronica Buckley explores the quirks of Christina’s personality in “Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric”.
Few books exist revolving around Queen Christina which puts a lot of pressure on Buckley’s writing skills. Luckily, Buckley’s language and flow are smooth, beautiful, and well-written. However, the beginning of “Christina, Queen of Sweden” requires a little kick-start, due to the focus being more on the political landscape and overall background of Sweden than on Christina.
Once the attention is on Christina, Buckley’s writing becomes more alive. The detail is meticulous and the reader truly gets a grasp for the events in Christina’s life, even as a child. This is supplemented by an almost memoir-like feel as Buckley tells the biography with an extensive amount of quotes from Christina. Even though these are from Christina speaking in hindsight, which always tampers with the views; it is still an open door into her psyche (although small).
On the other hand, Buckley is guilty of inconsistency with the inclination of going off on tangents and also back-tracking with chronology which causes both distraction and confusion. Plus, often times too much detail is given to seemingly unimportant events while more heavy moments are glossed over leaving some unanswered questions.
Another negative is Buckley’s story-telling which is more of a historical re-telling versus having the reader truly feel the events, recreated. This slows the pace. Not to mention, new information isn’t revealed. Yet, Buckley doesn’t take this as the green light for speculation or bias, which is kept to a minimum.
As “Christina, Queen of Sweden” progresses, Buckley’s writing becomes more flowery, descriptive, and narrative which is a pleasant departure from some of the dryness evident in the other parts of the work. This show Buckley’s versatility and begs for a penned historical fiction novel on Christina.
Sadly, the climatic event of Christina’s abdication of the throne lacks enlightenment. This would have been the opportune moment for Buckley to venture at Christina’s thoughts as most people seek crowns versus walk away from them and therefore, readers are curious at Christina’s inner-thoughts. Perhaps source do not exist on the matter but it is still a let-down.
About three-quarters through, “Christina, Queen of Sweden” drags and loses ‘oomph’. Although Christina’s life events are still odd/exciting enough to garner attention; Buckley seemingly loses passion which seeps through on her writing and slows the pace and strength of the work. This slower momentum continues to the end of “Christina, Queen of Sweden” which overly focuses on Rome and Papal events which is tiresome for those not interested in the topic. Queen Christina feels almost like a side-note at this point.
The conclusion of “Christina, Queen of Sweden” is surprisingly memorable as her funeral is described and Buckley waxes poetic about Christina’s persona. The reader will feel some sentiment and emotion; however, this sudden boost of energy doesn’t make sense with much of the previous flat text.
Overall, “Christina, Queen of Sweden” is not terribly written and is a good look at Christina’s life. Plus, it attracts history buffs with colorplates (although black and white) and suitable notes and sourced books. However, it solely teaches what Christina endured versus who she was and therefore the work contains closed windows. It does spark interest, though; and Buckley could satisfyingly pen a HF novel concerning Christina. Although not a prize history-biography, “Christina, Queen of Sweden” is suitable for those interested in queens.
Few books exist revolving around Queen Christina which puts a lot of pressure on Buckley’s writing skills. Luckily, Buckley’s language and flow are smooth, beautiful, and well-written. However, the beginning of “Christina, Queen of Sweden” requires a little kick-start, due to the focus being more on the political landscape and overall background of Sweden than on Christina.
Once the attention is on Christina, Buckley’s writing becomes more alive. The detail is meticulous and the reader truly gets a grasp for the events in Christina’s life, even as a child. This is supplemented by an almost memoir-like feel as Buckley tells the biography with an extensive amount of quotes from Christina. Even though these are from Christina speaking in hindsight, which always tampers with the views; it is still an open door into her psyche (although small).
On the other hand, Buckley is guilty of inconsistency with the inclination of going off on tangents and also back-tracking with chronology which causes both distraction and confusion. Plus, often times too much detail is given to seemingly unimportant events while more heavy moments are glossed over leaving some unanswered questions.
Another negative is Buckley’s story-telling which is more of a historical re-telling versus having the reader truly feel the events, recreated. This slows the pace. Not to mention, new information isn’t revealed. Yet, Buckley doesn’t take this as the green light for speculation or bias, which is kept to a minimum.
As “Christina, Queen of Sweden” progresses, Buckley’s writing becomes more flowery, descriptive, and narrative which is a pleasant departure from some of the dryness evident in the other parts of the work. This show Buckley’s versatility and begs for a penned historical fiction novel on Christina.
Sadly, the climatic event of Christina’s abdication of the throne lacks enlightenment. This would have been the opportune moment for Buckley to venture at Christina’s thoughts as most people seek crowns versus walk away from them and therefore, readers are curious at Christina’s inner-thoughts. Perhaps source do not exist on the matter but it is still a let-down.
About three-quarters through, “Christina, Queen of Sweden” drags and loses ‘oomph’. Although Christina’s life events are still odd/exciting enough to garner attention; Buckley seemingly loses passion which seeps through on her writing and slows the pace and strength of the work. This slower momentum continues to the end of “Christina, Queen of Sweden” which overly focuses on Rome and Papal events which is tiresome for those not interested in the topic. Queen Christina feels almost like a side-note at this point.
The conclusion of “Christina, Queen of Sweden” is surprisingly memorable as her funeral is described and Buckley waxes poetic about Christina’s persona. The reader will feel some sentiment and emotion; however, this sudden boost of energy doesn’t make sense with much of the previous flat text.
Overall, “Christina, Queen of Sweden” is not terribly written and is a good look at Christina’s life. Plus, it attracts history buffs with colorplates (although black and white) and suitable notes and sourced books. However, it solely teaches what Christina endured versus who she was and therefore the work contains closed windows. It does spark interest, though; and Buckley could satisfyingly pen a HF novel concerning Christina. Although not a prize history-biography, “Christina, Queen of Sweden” is suitable for those interested in queens.
June 9, 2012
Buckley is apparently negatively disposed towards Christina. She has obviously done quite a bit of research, but I would expect that if she has spent that much time researching, Buckley wouldn't write off every decision Christina makes as selfish, thoughtless and/or immature.
I am rather surprised on how it seems that nobles were all broke. Didn't anyone ever have to pay their bills? Why didn't the sellers ever say "show me the money"? Apparently accounting was not part of her practical education since it appears she spent so recklessly, or let her people take advantage of her trust.
I confess that I didn't read the last 20 pages. I assume she eventually falls ill and dies surrounded by a few hangers-on. Considering the author's attitude toward her subject, I don't know that I would read any other biographies by Buckley.
I am rather surprised on how it seems that nobles were all broke. Didn't anyone ever have to pay their bills? Why didn't the sellers ever say "show me the money"? Apparently accounting was not part of her practical education since it appears she spent so recklessly, or let her people take advantage of her trust.
I confess that I didn't read the last 20 pages. I assume she eventually falls ill and dies surrounded by a few hangers-on. Considering the author's attitude toward her subject, I don't know that I would read any other biographies by Buckley.
May 7, 2023
I have come to the conclusion that I do not like Queen Christina one bit.
However, this biography is hard to put down. It is full of details and little episodes that really make it come alive. Her life as well as the world she lived in are put into context, and you can't help but turn the next page in order to follow her story. The author obviously spent quite some time researching Christina's life, and I think she did a fine job.
However, this biography is hard to put down. It is full of details and little episodes that really make it come alive. Her life as well as the world she lived in are put into context, and you can't help but turn the next page in order to follow her story. The author obviously spent quite some time researching Christina's life, and I think she did a fine job.
April 2, 2010
Haven't read much about her before so this was very interesting and well written. But I absolutely hated her. She was selfish and spoiled.
November 14, 2022
It starts off as a dullish, slightly odd tale of an obscure northern queen...only to become something completely startling and different. "European Eccentric" doesn't do enough justice to the woman that is Christina of Sweden. This is a woman who decided to lead her life on her own terms, without any male/patriarchal boss...in a time when, by all the social norms of the time, nothing like this was supposed to happen. A strange & fascinating tale of the me-too movement, centuries before its time.
June 24, 2022
Due stelline e mezza, troppi giudizi personali dell'autrice, calati dall'alto e poco giustificati dalle fonti.
February 27, 2022
I am giving this 5 stars because of the writing and how interesting Christina’s life story was, but I’m not keeping it because I am not a fan of her as a historical figure or person unfortunately. The author tells her story as though you are right there with Queen Christina, but not in overly anecdotal or fictionalized ways. So when Queen Christina met the Sun King Louis XIV, Rene Descartes, Jean-Baptiste Lully (who was actual Italian! So weird to find out, since he’s such a securely French Baroque composer in the history books), Scarlatti, Corelli, Bernini, and several popes, I felt starstruck! Like they were actual people, not just figures of history. As for the Queen herself, it turns out she was rather spoiled and selfish, thought very highly of herself though she accomplished very little and was quite gullible, was coarse in behavior and language, spent way too much money, infamously executed a servant Monaldeschi, flitted from one thing to another without finishing anything (like a proper burial for Descartes when he died in Sweden, or a university in Stockholm), hated women, hated Sweden (because of her German mother), and feared sex and marriage. She abdicated her throne in her twenties and then still expected to receive an excessive amount of money, have a say and influence in political affairs, and be treated like royalty without any of the responsibilities or behavioral expectations. She converted to Catholicism from Lutheranism after abdicating (illegal in her home country) mostly to be able to live in Italy (her cultural, artistic, and historical love) and create scandal. It’s hard to feel sorry for her loneliness when she acted so spoiled and behaved recklessly. In the end, I’m glad I read it to learn about her and to read such an engaging telling of a Baroque figure, but I’m not a fan of this Queen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2014
As with most European royal families, the Vasas were totally dysfunctional.
Here we have a sad case of an ingrate and malcontent penile envier who showed great propensity for hubris, cruelty and disloyalty. Your average European ruler then!
ETA - I have been investigating Calvins v Lutherans as it came up in my new-to-me book 'Christina Queen of Sweden' by Veronica Buckley. What I gather is that Lutherans think of themselves individually interacting whilst Calvinists think of their social group interacting with their God. I can't see that that was enough reason to be so antagonistic to each other but then I don't get out much.
Here we have a sad case of an ingrate and malcontent penile envier who showed great propensity for hubris, cruelty and disloyalty. Your average European ruler then!
ETA - I have been investigating Calvins v Lutherans as it came up in my new-to-me book 'Christina Queen of Sweden' by Veronica Buckley. What I gather is that Lutherans think of themselves individually interacting whilst Calvinists think of their social group interacting with their God. I can't see that that was enough reason to be so antagonistic to each other but then I don't get out much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2008
Christina became Queen of Sweden as a child and abdicated as a young woman. I absolutely hate her. She was a terrible queen and a selfish, pompous, spoiled woman. I was so pleased when she abdicated the throne so she could pursue her Grand Artistic Future, and doubly pleased when it turned out she was no great genius, after all. She died alone, desitute, and despised by most of Europe, which I think fitting for such an annoying person.
The history itself is well-researched and well-written. I usually read about monarchs whose fates I already know--it felt very weird not to know what would happen. I was so impatient to find out that I actually skipped ahead several times.
The history itself is well-researched and well-written. I usually read about monarchs whose fates I already know--it felt very weird not to know what would happen. I was so impatient to find out that I actually skipped ahead several times.
August 22, 2021
A re-read of an excellent biography of queen Christina of Sweden, a woman who wished to live life on her terms. This proved difficult as her sexuality was a constant source of gossip with many scandals attaching themselves to her. She also had a propensity to surround herself with the wrong sort who used her for political and financial gain. She finally abdicated after realising she would never give the country an heir and spent the rest of her life wandering the courts of Europe. A fascinating read.
February 14, 2010
The three star rating isn't really a reflection on the book itself. It's written well, but Christina was entirely annoying. I just wanted to slap her. She gave up the Swedish crown just to turn around and chase after other crowns. She meddled when she should have been minding her own business, and she showed up in countries when no one wanted her around. I normally would feel sorry for someone like this, but she had no humility whatsoever.
May 24, 2021
Sinceramente non sapevo cosa aspettarmi da questa biografia, perché conoscevo poco la figura di Cristina di Svezia, ma alla fine posso dire, senza ombra di dubbio, che le sue peripezie, a volte anche comiche, mi hanno coinvolta e divertita!
Una figura davvero singolare ed eccentrica nel panorama dei regnanti europei, assolutamente fuori da ogni schema. Una donna piena di contraddizioni con un super ego e la capacità, con i suoi atteggiamenti di sfida piuttosto guasconi, di far infuriare e indisporre metà delle teste coronate europee e nn solo. Figlia dell'allor leggendario re di Svezia Gustavo Adolfo, rifiuta il trono giovanissima abdicando in nome di una non certo specchiata conversione al cattolicesimo per poi rivendicare e aspirare al trono di ben 4 Paesi. Pittoresca, sboccata, provocatoria, volubile, sessualmente ambigua, bugiarda e vendicativa, collerica e, in alcuni casi anche crudele, coinvolta in un buon numero di scandali che fecero si che fosse bandita dalle corti più importanti d'Europa e comunque vista con diffidenza, visse a Roma le sue stagioni più felici, città che la accolse come la sua convertita più prestigiosa, che la attrasse non tanto per la sua religiosità quanto per i suoi fasti, per le bellezze artistiche e architettoniche e dove, a Palazzo Riario, visse da patrocinatrice con scarse finanze, dal momento che ebbe sempre problemi economici, dovuti anche al fatto che aveva la capacità di circondarsi di siniscalchi e una nutrita corte di cialtroni, che però amava, e che la derubarono per tutta la vita. Era una donna vitale, sempre attiva e in movimento, curiosa e anche, quando voleva, dotata di una certa sensibilità, che si manifestava nel suo amore per i bambini e per le persone indifese che proteggeva ad oltranza. Ebbe un unico amore, molto chiacchierato ma verosimilmente platonico, con il Cardinale Azzolino che durò tutta la vita fino alla sua morte...
Una figura davvero singolare ed eccentrica nel panorama dei regnanti europei, assolutamente fuori da ogni schema. Una donna piena di contraddizioni con un super ego e la capacità, con i suoi atteggiamenti di sfida piuttosto guasconi, di far infuriare e indisporre metà delle teste coronate europee e nn solo. Figlia dell'allor leggendario re di Svezia Gustavo Adolfo, rifiuta il trono giovanissima abdicando in nome di una non certo specchiata conversione al cattolicesimo per poi rivendicare e aspirare al trono di ben 4 Paesi. Pittoresca, sboccata, provocatoria, volubile, sessualmente ambigua, bugiarda e vendicativa, collerica e, in alcuni casi anche crudele, coinvolta in un buon numero di scandali che fecero si che fosse bandita dalle corti più importanti d'Europa e comunque vista con diffidenza, visse a Roma le sue stagioni più felici, città che la accolse come la sua convertita più prestigiosa, che la attrasse non tanto per la sua religiosità quanto per i suoi fasti, per le bellezze artistiche e architettoniche e dove, a Palazzo Riario, visse da patrocinatrice con scarse finanze, dal momento che ebbe sempre problemi economici, dovuti anche al fatto che aveva la capacità di circondarsi di siniscalchi e una nutrita corte di cialtroni, che però amava, e che la derubarono per tutta la vita. Era una donna vitale, sempre attiva e in movimento, curiosa e anche, quando voleva, dotata di una certa sensibilità, che si manifestava nel suo amore per i bambini e per le persone indifese che proteggeva ad oltranza. Ebbe un unico amore, molto chiacchierato ma verosimilmente platonico, con il Cardinale Azzolino che durò tutta la vita fino alla sua morte...
May 2, 2023
Booklist
One of the standouts in a long line of self-indulgent European royals, Christina, with her eccentricities, merits Buckley's close attention. From the moment of her birth in 1626, when she was mistakenly identified as a boy, to the time of her death in 1689, she ardently pursued an extraordinarily extravagant life characterized by an emotionally contrary nature. Many have speculated about her seemingly ambiguous sexuality, but, as Buckley discerns, her refusal to even contemplate marriage evidences both an independent temperament and an essentially asexual orientation. Formally ascending the Swedish throne in 1644, she proved to be a lavish and fiscally irresponsible monarch, leading Sweden to the verge of bankruptcy in six short years. Restless and bored, she longed for intellectual and physical warmth, cultural enlightenment, and adventure. Abdicating in 1654, she converted to Catholicism, moved to Rome, and undertook a bold and ultimately disastrous plan to seize the throne of Naples. Proud, impulsive, and willful, Christina was convinced she had the divine right to lead her life by her own rules.
Margaret Flanagan
One of the standouts in a long line of self-indulgent European royals, Christina, with her eccentricities, merits Buckley's close attention. From the moment of her birth in 1626, when she was mistakenly identified as a boy, to the time of her death in 1689, she ardently pursued an extraordinarily extravagant life characterized by an emotionally contrary nature. Many have speculated about her seemingly ambiguous sexuality, but, as Buckley discerns, her refusal to even contemplate marriage evidences both an independent temperament and an essentially asexual orientation. Formally ascending the Swedish throne in 1644, she proved to be a lavish and fiscally irresponsible monarch, leading Sweden to the verge of bankruptcy in six short years. Restless and bored, she longed for intellectual and physical warmth, cultural enlightenment, and adventure. Abdicating in 1654, she converted to Catholicism, moved to Rome, and undertook a bold and ultimately disastrous plan to seize the throne of Naples. Proud, impulsive, and willful, Christina was convinced she had the divine right to lead her life by her own rules.
Margaret Flanagan
August 16, 2018
Christina, Queen of Sweden
Never have I come across a biography where the author seems to absolutely, very obviously, detest the person that they are writing about with a passion. Although I do not know much about Queen Christina of Sweden, which is why I had picked up this book in the first place, I feel sorry for the woman that modern day biographers have such a hateful image of her when it seems like there are many worse things that she could have done. In the grand scheme of history, there are others who are more deserving of the view than her and thus I could not enjoy this very biased biography though I did read it to completion and felt I may have learned a little. It is difficult to find the facts among the opinion, though the author does do a lot to try to blend them together. It’s a spiteful novel, and Buckley seems desperate to make others agree with her viewpoint. I absolutely refuse to do so.
Christina deserves better.
4/10
Never have I come across a biography where the author seems to absolutely, very obviously, detest the person that they are writing about with a passion. Although I do not know much about Queen Christina of Sweden, which is why I had picked up this book in the first place, I feel sorry for the woman that modern day biographers have such a hateful image of her when it seems like there are many worse things that she could have done. In the grand scheme of history, there are others who are more deserving of the view than her and thus I could not enjoy this very biased biography though I did read it to completion and felt I may have learned a little. It is difficult to find the facts among the opinion, though the author does do a lot to try to blend them together. It’s a spiteful novel, and Buckley seems desperate to make others agree with her viewpoint. I absolutely refuse to do so.
Christina deserves better.
4/10
August 29, 2020
I have not before this read a biography that took a negative view of its protagonist. Buckley's honesty about Christina's faults clue you in to each subtle recurring nod to Christina's self-defeating independence. A better subtitle might have been "a portrait in self-sabotage", as at each turn Christina's unwillingness to submit to anyone else's idea of right foils her larger aims. One subtler element: Buckley lavishes attention on Christina's physical appearance, which takes on an appropriately Renaissance symbolism for how contemporaries perceive Christina. Early in the book, she's small and curious and alluring, capable of great manipulation. At the end of her life, intemperance has swelled her body, and her matronly appearance marks her late in life turn to protector for a small group of musicians. Anyway, worth a read if you're into intimate portraits of unusual people. Message me if you want my copy.
April 26, 2023
The book is well-written, although as others have noted, the biographer is very present in the work, continually evaluating and judging her subject's actions. I can understand it--Christina is an exasperating figure. But if other reviews have critiqued Buckley for being too judgmental of Christina or for hating her subject, I think they have it wrong. Christina's story is one of wasted potential; she's exasperating precisely because there's so much sadness and pathos in her life. We want to see her be an eccentric, cross-dressing, lesbian icon with an uncomplicated legacy. But she was born royalty and she insisted, even after abdication, on remaining royalty. She was a woman of power and influence who nevertheless did little to elevate other women, even in the world of art she loved so much. I suspect Buckley loves her and her exasperation is aimed not at Christina, but at "what might have been."
August 31, 2018
After becoming obsessed with Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown & Queen Victoria in Victoria I saw a recommendation for The Girl King on Netflix. It was this movie that introduced me to Queen Christina who I found to be quite an intriguing historical figure. I therefore sought out more information about this fascinating Queen of Sweden and came across this book. I found the book to be very informative and The Book to read if you want to learn about Christina’s Life. Personally, I much preferred Her story up to Her abdication. Post abdication was basically her traveling all over the place pissing people off, almost going broke, and then somehow finding money and allies again. And a lot of names that I ended up losing track of. Overall, I find Her to be a fascinating person and well worth learning about.
August 31, 2018
This was a surprisingly interesting biography given that the Queen lived in the 1600's and some of her correspondence was destroyed. There was a lot of eye witness accounts and her own correspondence and even part of an autobiography that she never finished. The subject was unlikable but interesting. I was intrigued that she seemed to be either a transgender or intersexual person and she was raised learning the princely arts but she was a terrible administrator and an irresponsible spender. She felt very entitled just because she had a title. She was a horrible judge of character having a lot of so called friends who were ripping her off. As for the book though, it was very well written and kept my interest. I would recommend it to all who are curious about the female king and about Swedish history.
September 16, 2017
I came to this book knowing the basic outline of Christina of Sweden's life but not the details - and what struck me was the role of gender in this 17th-century queen's life. Initially mistaken for a boy at birth (and possibly intersex?), Christina become Queen of Sweden in her own right while still a child. She refused to marry, however, and eventually abdicated from her throne, motivated partly by a desire to convert to Catholicism. She spent years traveling across Europe, often dressed in men's clothing, and was attracted to both men and women. I wish this historical figure was talked about more - she clearly deserves more attention than she typically receives and her life would provide a rich platform for discussions of gender and sexuality.
April 14, 2018
I’ve been intrigued by this Swedish queen from the 17th century for years. I was somehow misled to believe she was an influential woman but I’ve now learned that she really was farcical. The reason she continues to fascinate is probably because of the ambiguity of her sexuality and gender. She was laughed at and disrespected throughout Europe. The book is well referenced and fine but with so little material on a woman who abdicated the throne when she was 27, the book is more about the many wars of the time. Nothing different or special.
June 22, 2018
Christina's story was morbidly fascinating, like watching a train-wreck. The author was clearly torn between wanting to be as sympathetic as possible, and wanting to wag her finger at the numerous self-defeating things Christina did. Christina isn't a likeable character. She's not laudable or clever or diplomatic, or any of the other saintly character traits she claims for herself. She's a deeply flawed person who, by dint of her birth, was given a platform she probably never should have had in the first place. At several points in the narrative I felt as though I was peeking in on something I shouldn't be seeing - as though revealing Christina's many flaws was somehow doing her a disservice. It's a testament to the author that I did feel that way, I suppose. Calling her 'eccentric' is a bit too kind, I feel...
March 23, 2025
Although relatively well researched I cannot forgive the blatant bias of the book. I would have given a higher rating because I did learn a lot and appreciate a different perspective but by the end I honestly felt the author hates Christina. There's not a single action, decision or thought that isn't heavily criticised in one way or another....also a lot of aspects of her life are glossed over to fit this negative narrative. Needless to say this did not hit the mark and I'll be reading another book about her soon to counterbalance this oddly almost vindictive seeming book
October 5, 2019
Good organization and writing style. Despite it being nonfiction it didn’t feel like it when reading. Liked how many quotes she used without being obtrusive about it. Good biography. It did toward the end feel a bit cursory; fifty years in 160 pages while her first 20-25 years get the first half. Mixed feelings about that
July 25, 2021
Christina Alexandra was an interesting woman who refused to acknowledge her flaws. A person of that sort provides some fun reading if not someone who would be fun to meet in person. Overall I was intrigued by what she did in her lifetime during an era that was not empowering for women. Plus I gained a better understanding of seventeenth century European politics.
October 9, 2025
While Christina of Sweden seems a most interesting historical figure with a peculiar life for a monarch, something about how this story was told just made it tiresome to read. At times it felt lost and the author rambling. Though this has inspired me to read more about people of history I am not familiar with.
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