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Joanna: The Notorious Queen of Naples, Jerusalem and Sicily
On 15 March 1348, Joanna I, Queen of Naples, stood trial for her life before the pope and his court in Avignon. She was 22 years old. Her cousin and husband, Prince Andrew of Hungary, had recently been murdered, and Joanna was the chief suspect. Determined to defend herself, Joanna won her acquittal against enormous odds. Returning to Naples, she ruled over one of Europe's most prestigious and enlightened courts for more than thirty years - until she was herself murdered. Nancy Goldstone brings one of history's most remarkable women to life in this impeccably researched and captivating portrait of medieval royalty.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2009
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November 13, 2018
This topic is new to me. I have not read about Italian monarchs before.
Joanna I (1326-1382) ruled Southern Italy for over thirty years despite invaders, plague, four husbands, jealous-in-laws and the death of her children. She even stood trial before the Pope having been accused of murdering her husband Prince Andrew (1327-1345) of Hungary. Her life reads like a soap opera.
The book is well written and researched. The book is written in an academic style. In the audiobook version the footnotes were inserted in the appropriate place. After reading the book, I thought the use of the word notorious in the title was inappropriate. Goldstone wrote an unbiased biography of Joanna I. This was mostly new information to me. I found the scheming for power both by the royal families and by the Pope intriguing. It appears women’s lives in the middle ages were miserable. This book reveals that I need to expand my range of reading/learning. This is my first experience reading Nancy Goldstone’s work. She is an expert on medieval history.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and 6 minutes. Christine Lakin does a good job narrating the book. Lakin is an actress and audiobook narrator. This is my first experience listening to her read.
Joanna I (1326-1382) ruled Southern Italy for over thirty years despite invaders, plague, four husbands, jealous-in-laws and the death of her children. She even stood trial before the Pope having been accused of murdering her husband Prince Andrew (1327-1345) of Hungary. Her life reads like a soap opera.
The book is well written and researched. The book is written in an academic style. In the audiobook version the footnotes were inserted in the appropriate place. After reading the book, I thought the use of the word notorious in the title was inappropriate. Goldstone wrote an unbiased biography of Joanna I. This was mostly new information to me. I found the scheming for power both by the royal families and by the Pope intriguing. It appears women’s lives in the middle ages were miserable. This book reveals that I need to expand my range of reading/learning. This is my first experience reading Nancy Goldstone’s work. She is an expert on medieval history.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and 6 minutes. Christine Lakin does a good job narrating the book. Lakin is an actress and audiobook narrator. This is my first experience listening to her read.
December 20, 2014
Royal history is filled with queens who have held roles of intrigue, mystery, murder, warrior, martyr, and virgin. Whether loved or hated; these dramatic women are quite fetching to our imaginations. One such lady, sadly not as well-known as some of her contemporaries, is Queen Joanna I. Nancy Goldstone chronicles her life in, “The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily”.
Goldstone opens “The Lady Queen” with several genealogical charts and maps; introducing the reader to the time and place of Joanna. Unfortunately, that is all that Goldstone does for approximately 100 pages. Meaning, Goldstone fills “The Lady Queen” with detail and background information presenting the reader with a thorough look at Naples and Hungary in the 14th century but hardly spotlighting Joanna at all even though “The Lady Queen” is supposed to be her portrait. In fact, several pages pass before she is mentioned which then repeats before she is mentioned again.
Goldstone is also guilty of using several speculative and interpretative statements filled with “Must have”, “Should have”, and “Could have” statements. Goldstone focuses on recapping the historical events (with a focus on politics) but does not really bring the reader closer to the woman that Joanna was. Often times, more questions remain that are answered.
On a positive side, Goldstone is a master at meshing together scholarly information with a flowery and entertaining tone resulting in a fast-paced narrative. Even though the text is filled with a plethora of facts; Goldsmith presents this in a very accessible and readable way making “The Lady Queen” ideal for those seeking a summary on the topic or for those wanting a review.
Another plus in “The Lady Queen” are the myths which Goldstone debunks and/or expertly explaining the paths of events in a detective-like manner. Rather than sounding conceited and bigoted, the explanations make sense in an academic and scientific way.
“The Lady Queen” is quite choppy in the respect that it focuses on Joanna then on a tangent and then on Joanna again. It almost seems as though each time Goldstone reached a dead end or lull in her research; she turned to background information. This escalates the feeling of not really learning about Joanna but instead gaining a look at the big picture.
Although rare, there are passages where Joanna finally jumps off the pages in the form of full quotes and letters. In this way, Goldstone allows Joanna to speak for herself and through her true personality. This is a relief in respect to so little of “The Lady Queen” exclusively concerning Joanna. Not to mention, Goldstone includes documents never before translated into English which are obviously quite a treat.
Like the majority of the book, the conclusion of “The Lady Queen” leaves much to be desired and doesn’t send Joanna off into the world with the memory she deserves (even though this absence in history books is precisely what Goldstone complains about). Even though Joanna runs some parallels to famous figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and even Elizabeth I; “The Lady Queen” failed to give her the epitaph she begs for.
Goldstone follows up with an epilogue, explanation of money in the 14th century, notes on sources, and a bibliography. These are actually more illuminating than much of the book’s text and not to be skipped. “The Lady Queen” also contains color plates (truly in color).
In lieu of my many complaints; “The Lady Queen” is well-written and is a solid source on Italian history and the relations between Hungary and Italy for readers interested on the subject. The problem is that “The Lady Queen” is supposed to be about Joanna and barely is, failing to bring her to life. However, Goldstone does successfully wet the appetite encouraging further research. “The Lady Queen” isn’t horrible; just a bit disappointing.
Goldstone opens “The Lady Queen” with several genealogical charts and maps; introducing the reader to the time and place of Joanna. Unfortunately, that is all that Goldstone does for approximately 100 pages. Meaning, Goldstone fills “The Lady Queen” with detail and background information presenting the reader with a thorough look at Naples and Hungary in the 14th century but hardly spotlighting Joanna at all even though “The Lady Queen” is supposed to be her portrait. In fact, several pages pass before she is mentioned which then repeats before she is mentioned again.
Goldstone is also guilty of using several speculative and interpretative statements filled with “Must have”, “Should have”, and “Could have” statements. Goldstone focuses on recapping the historical events (with a focus on politics) but does not really bring the reader closer to the woman that Joanna was. Often times, more questions remain that are answered.
On a positive side, Goldstone is a master at meshing together scholarly information with a flowery and entertaining tone resulting in a fast-paced narrative. Even though the text is filled with a plethora of facts; Goldsmith presents this in a very accessible and readable way making “The Lady Queen” ideal for those seeking a summary on the topic or for those wanting a review.
Another plus in “The Lady Queen” are the myths which Goldstone debunks and/or expertly explaining the paths of events in a detective-like manner. Rather than sounding conceited and bigoted, the explanations make sense in an academic and scientific way.
“The Lady Queen” is quite choppy in the respect that it focuses on Joanna then on a tangent and then on Joanna again. It almost seems as though each time Goldstone reached a dead end or lull in her research; she turned to background information. This escalates the feeling of not really learning about Joanna but instead gaining a look at the big picture.
Although rare, there are passages where Joanna finally jumps off the pages in the form of full quotes and letters. In this way, Goldstone allows Joanna to speak for herself and through her true personality. This is a relief in respect to so little of “The Lady Queen” exclusively concerning Joanna. Not to mention, Goldstone includes documents never before translated into English which are obviously quite a treat.
Like the majority of the book, the conclusion of “The Lady Queen” leaves much to be desired and doesn’t send Joanna off into the world with the memory she deserves (even though this absence in history books is precisely what Goldstone complains about). Even though Joanna runs some parallels to famous figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and even Elizabeth I; “The Lady Queen” failed to give her the epitaph she begs for.
Goldstone follows up with an epilogue, explanation of money in the 14th century, notes on sources, and a bibliography. These are actually more illuminating than much of the book’s text and not to be skipped. “The Lady Queen” also contains color plates (truly in color).
In lieu of my many complaints; “The Lady Queen” is well-written and is a solid source on Italian history and the relations between Hungary and Italy for readers interested on the subject. The problem is that “The Lady Queen” is supposed to be about Joanna and barely is, failing to bring her to life. However, Goldstone does successfully wet the appetite encouraging further research. “The Lady Queen” isn’t horrible; just a bit disappointing.
October 17, 2010
The Lady Queen reads like a historical novel. Anyone who thinks politics and diplomacy is complicated now should read about the 14th Century! Throw a whole bunch of city states, the Papacy, the rest of the church hierarchy, and a whole bunch of ruling families (who are interrelated with the Papacy and church hierarchy, of course) into a mix and see who comes out on top. That is the 14th Century. Joanna, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem and Sicily (that title alone should tell you a lot), amazingly managed for a fairly long reign to maneuver through this volatile political environment. The story can be confusing since people switch sides quite regularly and since ruling a state has seemingly no relationship to the ruler's "nationality" (which of course is a modern concept anyway). Since all of the royal families were interrelated, rulers were always claiming title to rule someone else's kingdom based on their linear descent from an original ruler. In addition, the Pope regularly opined on who deserved to rule.
Fascinating and well written.
Fascinating and well written.
April 26, 2015
Nancy Goldstone has written a series of books on prominent women of the late Medieval period. In this one she takes on the Joanna, who succeeded to the throne of Naples (she only rarely held power in Sicily and never saw Jerusalem). This is a different Europe than the one we know: successive Popes shuttled between Avignon and Rome, one of her relatives held the entirely fictitious title of Empress of Byzantium on the basis of a toehold in Southern Greece, and Hungary was a wealthy and aggrieved empire that thought nothing of marching into Italy to press its dynastic claims (and take revenge for the murder of one of its princes, Joanna's first husband). The era did have the medieval obsession with family trees, fighting over the right to a throne and salvaging conflict with the timely marriage of cousins. Goldstone explains this fairly well, even the interwoven family trees and especially with regard to the complexity of the Italian states and their interdependent economies. She offers the most lucid explanation of the fight between Guelphs and Ghibellines that so bedevils the beginning reader of Dante's Commedia. And she makes an excellent case without over-explaining for Joanna as an intelligent and astute queen; sort of an early Elizabeth. Unlike Elizabeth, Joanna married, generally ill-advisedly and for political expediency. The first three of those marriages were contracted with royal whelps who were rankled by not being elevated to co-ruler, even though each one in turn explored entirely new ways of proving he was not worthy. The fourth, a minor knight, seems to have been the best choice; he tried to rescue her from falling into the fatal imprisonment by an army that was, as one might expect from the times, was composed largely of Hungarians but led by a relative with frustrated royal ambitions.
April 24, 2010
I came of age in the 1970s at the height of the Women’s Movement. It was a heady time full of marches and protests and petitions. Women’s Studies departments were formed at colleges and universities. The study of history, full of dead white men, was expanded to include herstory, bringing to light the lives and achievements of women in the past.
Women have come a long way since then, now full partners at home, in the workplace and in the history books. But I still find myself, when confronted with a choice of books, always reaching for the one by or about women.
It was with great anticipation that I began reading “The Lady Queen”. Imagine, a woman ruler in medieval Italy, surrounded by “chauvinist” aristocracy and popes who shamelessly exploited women. How did she come to rule? How was her rule different from the men who preceded her and then followed her? How did her subjects feel about being ruled by a woman? What, if any, changes did she make to Italian culture?
Sadly, only my first question was answered. The rest of the 300+ pages were filled with the usual battles, funerals, coronations, plots and counter-plots found in most history books. This book was written for a popular audience, yet it is all the things that everyone hates about history. Just a dry recitation of dates and historical figures.
Ms. Goldstone tries to excuse the paucity of material concerning the actual life and rule of Joanna on records that were lost during WWII. What I found most frustrating were the tantalizing hints of her life. Her concern with and improvement of healthcare, the arts, and religious orders are mentioned again and again but never expanded upon. I kept hoping for more details on them which would, directly or indirectly, tell me more about Joanna as a person and as a queen.
Joanna’s life was ended by assassination. There was a problem with what to do with her body because she had been excommunicated and couldn’t be buried in hallowed ground. A religious order, of whom she had been a benefactor, came up with a solution. I just wanted to scream. What had she done for them they were willing to put aside their religious convictions and provide her with a resting place?
Alas, this book does not live up to its title. I know very little more about Joanna and her “notorious reign” than I did before I read this superficial biography.
Women have come a long way since then, now full partners at home, in the workplace and in the history books. But I still find myself, when confronted with a choice of books, always reaching for the one by or about women.
It was with great anticipation that I began reading “The Lady Queen”. Imagine, a woman ruler in medieval Italy, surrounded by “chauvinist” aristocracy and popes who shamelessly exploited women. How did she come to rule? How was her rule different from the men who preceded her and then followed her? How did her subjects feel about being ruled by a woman? What, if any, changes did she make to Italian culture?
Sadly, only my first question was answered. The rest of the 300+ pages were filled with the usual battles, funerals, coronations, plots and counter-plots found in most history books. This book was written for a popular audience, yet it is all the things that everyone hates about history. Just a dry recitation of dates and historical figures.
Ms. Goldstone tries to excuse the paucity of material concerning the actual life and rule of Joanna on records that were lost during WWII. What I found most frustrating were the tantalizing hints of her life. Her concern with and improvement of healthcare, the arts, and religious orders are mentioned again and again but never expanded upon. I kept hoping for more details on them which would, directly or indirectly, tell me more about Joanna as a person and as a queen.
Joanna’s life was ended by assassination. There was a problem with what to do with her body because she had been excommunicated and couldn’t be buried in hallowed ground. A religious order, of whom she had been a benefactor, came up with a solution. I just wanted to scream. What had she done for them they were willing to put aside their religious convictions and provide her with a resting place?
Alas, this book does not live up to its title. I know very little more about Joanna and her “notorious reign” than I did before I read this superficial biography.
September 4, 2015
Amazing that this woman kept her title and her authority over the geographic states/ vast entities that she did for as long as she did. This was an era of the short brutal reign, and no more true than in Italy. Most history buffs know the minutia of the 100 Years War and various other continental European benchmarks and reigns. But rarely, rarely have I read this from Italian (today's Italy location)city-state entity "eyes". If there is such a thing then by any definition. With the consistent and continual invasion, district turnover, ownership loyalty- all forms of conflict and authority oath or debt- every avenue of flex or flux. Nothing solvent or secure for more than a few years running. Add to this the Black Death, religious schism and excommunication coupled with the horrific capital punishment and hostage habit across all nobility classes! Well, Joanna did not have the leisure to harbor a more "normal" life's emotional anchors.
I don't have the descriptive ability to express the savvy, détente (she was probably one of the first role models of this, even in possibility)or particularly intellectual levels that Joanna exercises. For instance, with that double digit succession of Popes that she needed to persuade and induce. That she keep that authority singular as a woman in that age- is nearly beyond the believable. But she did.
The personal- all the personal- is buried by the rock of her role. The role she inherited of singular authority. The woman- the personal woman-coming only after that and for mere moments. She did magnificently given the choices she did get to make and the bridges she did build to maintain some kind of "word" knowledge or arts beyond the most feral.
This is an extremely difficult read. It's a tome of the crucible that holds 100 elements which both crushed and bloomed to become an eventual Renaissance. There are 1000's of characters, 10,000's of abridged or confirmed "loyalties". Everything of medieval serfdom thought and paradigm changing at the same time- medicine, base economics in both trade and travel, nationhood concepts, property rights in law etc. This is not just a read about a life in Italy.
And after it all- her end was tragic and her reputation buried in a well.
I don't have the descriptive ability to express the savvy, détente (she was probably one of the first role models of this, even in possibility)or particularly intellectual levels that Joanna exercises. For instance, with that double digit succession of Popes that she needed to persuade and induce. That she keep that authority singular as a woman in that age- is nearly beyond the believable. But she did.
The personal- all the personal- is buried by the rock of her role. The role she inherited of singular authority. The woman- the personal woman-coming only after that and for mere moments. She did magnificently given the choices she did get to make and the bridges she did build to maintain some kind of "word" knowledge or arts beyond the most feral.
This is an extremely difficult read. It's a tome of the crucible that holds 100 elements which both crushed and bloomed to become an eventual Renaissance. There are 1000's of characters, 10,000's of abridged or confirmed "loyalties". Everything of medieval serfdom thought and paradigm changing at the same time- medicine, base economics in both trade and travel, nationhood concepts, property rights in law etc. This is not just a read about a life in Italy.
And after it all- her end was tragic and her reputation buried in a well.
August 17, 2012
As a general reader I've found/read little covering this place and period, so the unfamiliar names and settings made it difficult for me to get started in this book. Some of it I had to read twice. The introduction, "The Trial", didn't help set the pace or sequence. Once I got more attuned, it came together.
The word in the title "notorious" does not or should not apply to the reign described in the book. It appears that Joanna I did a decent job in an impossible position. She inherited her kingdom as a teenager and was immediately faced with power struggles. Her reign is said to have improved the welfare of her people, to have been considered desirable by a significant number of people in Sicily and to have been respected by two popes. She was, however, "nototiously" undermined and challenged by her first papal legate, three of her husbands, her sister and Charles of Durazzo, who was brought up in her court.
Two things about medieval times stand out in the narrative: the tools of control available to popes and that it was possible for women to achieve power/influence.
Popes can send a legate to essentially rule over the ruler. Popes collect (or forgive) tribute. Popes could bestow or confiscate property and titles. They could forbid communication between monarchs. Through the ability to approve or disapprove a marriage they controlled an important diplomatic tool. Popes enforced their policies through the threat of excommunication of the monarch or even entire population and through open warfare.
Despite the overt sexism of the times, Joanna's grandfather had faith in her and mentored her. His oral will clearly made the line of succession his two granddaughters and deliberately excluded their husbands from power. There was a female head in Constantinople and a powerful woman behind the throne in Hungary. Two women, Catherine of Siena and Bridget of Sweden, seem to be papal advisors.
While there is a lot missing from the record, and therefore, not in the story, the book has some gaps that need explanation. One is the situation of Jerusalem. It was bought by Joanna's great-great grandfather, but this is the only mention. Perhaps like Sicily, through most of Joanna's reign, it is only a part of her title, but its role or lack of role in her life should be explained. Another is what happened to the fourth husband, Otto. At last mention he was captured. Was he killed? Did he bargain his way out? The biggest gap, for me, was a clue to character of Joanna I. She is said to be loved by her subjects for her attention to their welfare, but they turn on her. Was the turbulence of her reign par for its times or to be expected as male powers see opportunities in the perceived weak position of a female monarch? In short, was there something about Joanna that fostered so much betrayal or was it her situation?
I was impressed with the author's knowledge of the times as well as her subject. She shows the interconnection of events, such as how external battles, politics and rogue armies affected Naples. At the end there is a note on the sources and how much was lost in WWII. Fortunately an earlier researcher was meticulous and reproduced some original material. Other material had to be translated from sources far and wide. This was definitely a giant puzzle to put together.
I recommend this book to those interested in this place and time period.
The word in the title "notorious" does not or should not apply to the reign described in the book. It appears that Joanna I did a decent job in an impossible position. She inherited her kingdom as a teenager and was immediately faced with power struggles. Her reign is said to have improved the welfare of her people, to have been considered desirable by a significant number of people in Sicily and to have been respected by two popes. She was, however, "nototiously" undermined and challenged by her first papal legate, three of her husbands, her sister and Charles of Durazzo, who was brought up in her court.
Two things about medieval times stand out in the narrative: the tools of control available to popes and that it was possible for women to achieve power/influence.
Popes can send a legate to essentially rule over the ruler. Popes collect (or forgive) tribute. Popes could bestow or confiscate property and titles. They could forbid communication between monarchs. Through the ability to approve or disapprove a marriage they controlled an important diplomatic tool. Popes enforced their policies through the threat of excommunication of the monarch or even entire population and through open warfare.
Despite the overt sexism of the times, Joanna's grandfather had faith in her and mentored her. His oral will clearly made the line of succession his two granddaughters and deliberately excluded their husbands from power. There was a female head in Constantinople and a powerful woman behind the throne in Hungary. Two women, Catherine of Siena and Bridget of Sweden, seem to be papal advisors.
While there is a lot missing from the record, and therefore, not in the story, the book has some gaps that need explanation. One is the situation of Jerusalem. It was bought by Joanna's great-great grandfather, but this is the only mention. Perhaps like Sicily, through most of Joanna's reign, it is only a part of her title, but its role or lack of role in her life should be explained. Another is what happened to the fourth husband, Otto. At last mention he was captured. Was he killed? Did he bargain his way out? The biggest gap, for me, was a clue to character of Joanna I. She is said to be loved by her subjects for her attention to their welfare, but they turn on her. Was the turbulence of her reign par for its times or to be expected as male powers see opportunities in the perceived weak position of a female monarch? In short, was there something about Joanna that fostered so much betrayal or was it her situation?
I was impressed with the author's knowledge of the times as well as her subject. She shows the interconnection of events, such as how external battles, politics and rogue armies affected Naples. At the end there is a note on the sources and how much was lost in WWII. Fortunately an earlier researcher was meticulous and reproduced some original material. Other material had to be translated from sources far and wide. This was definitely a giant puzzle to put together.
I recommend this book to those interested in this place and time period.
July 25, 2012
This book is about as interesting as non-fictional histories can get! It flows easily for a history, and the author has taken the time to connect things for the reader. I also really enjoyed that Ms. Goldstone included the economics of the time and related events to where the money was flowing. She does some brilliant analysis of historical occurences and not only considers who was making money (and who was not) but also offers information on the relationships of the people involved. Detailed but not so detailed as to get boring.
All that aside, Joanna I's life is a rollicking good story. Treachery, murder, poison, invasion, plague, a trial before the pope, dispossession, intrigue, marriage, imprisonment... all before she was thirty! You can't make stuff this interesting up if you wanted to.
All that aside, Joanna I's life is a rollicking good story. Treachery, murder, poison, invasion, plague, a trial before the pope, dispossession, intrigue, marriage, imprisonment... all before she was thirty! You can't make stuff this interesting up if you wanted to.
August 11, 2013
Jesu! The 14th Century was SHOCKING. And down Napoli way they turned the shocks up to eleven. No one gave a pretty blonde teen queen an even break. From the moment she perched on her golden throne all the other buggers had the knives out. What a family. That she reined so long considering is a miracle. And survived SO MANY calamities what's more. I guess it was always going to end the way it did. It was either that or the bubos. No one else got out lightly, apart from a couple of those dodgy popes. This is Game of Thrones for real but you'd be hard pressed telling it from the fiction. The one give away is all the characters called Robert, Louis, Philip or Charles. A novelist would have shown a tad more imagination naming blokes.
May 13, 2012
So Joanna was a queen, but her husbands were really bad. This is a somewhat interesting, and somewhat tedious book about Joanna I who was accused of killing her husband.
(I'm annoyed that the Kindle edition didn't have pics).
Goldstone does a good job of being fair and saving Joanna's reputation. Like Elizabeth I, she had to deal with men who didn't think she could do the job. And then her family was really the family from hell. ANd don't get me started on her in-laws.
I just wish I got a better sense of who Joanna was, besides a queen.
(I'm annoyed that the Kindle edition didn't have pics).
Goldstone does a good job of being fair and saving Joanna's reputation. Like Elizabeth I, she had to deal with men who didn't think she could do the job. And then her family was really the family from hell. ANd don't get me started on her in-laws.
I just wish I got a better sense of who Joanna was, besides a queen.
January 1, 2017
Highly engaging biography of a much maligned queen.
December 30, 2022
Always a sucker for a well researched biography on strong women!
(Although, apparently you were only allowed to name men Louis, Charles, and Robert - and occasionally Philip - which made things confusing.)
(Although, apparently you were only allowed to name men Louis, Charles, and Robert - and occasionally Philip - which made things confusing.)
June 28, 2021
I knew nothing about Joanna until this book. It is a history, not a novel, but very interesting. My only problem with it, and it's not the fault of the book, is that everyone seemed to be named Charles or Louis of somewhere and it became very confusing keeping that straight. There are family trees included, but everyone was so intermarried that that didn't help much. I was surprised (although I'm not sure why) at all the plots, treachery, bribery, and murder that took place over power and territory. For a woman to have not only survived all of this, but also to have prevailed, is a testament to Joanna's character and fortitude. If you like history and want to know more about the Middle Ages during the 1300s, this book is a revelation.
May 27, 2018
Audiobook. Reader okay- when she spoke for joanna she used a different voice which became with repetition an annoying accent.
The downside of audiobooks is the rarely come with maps, illustrations or table of contents. In this case if I had known it was there I would have listened to the epilogue first as it had information (for example about money values) that would have been helpful to know before reading.
I had forgotten how involved in politics and scheming the pope and the church was. It was a very dominant force. Overall the constant litany of political intrigue, war and descriptions of torture as norms of behavior could have been cut back and I would have still gotten a sense of the time and her life. It was very tiresome and I found myself skipping ahead at times.
Joanna may have been an ambitious and strong minded woman but she was still a creature of that time.
Today we may have progressed somewhat as egregious behavior is more often reported and condemned if not stopped, whereas in Joanna's time it was normal behavior but all those elements are still part of human nature. That was depressing to contemplate.
The downside of audiobooks is the rarely come with maps, illustrations or table of contents. In this case if I had known it was there I would have listened to the epilogue first as it had information (for example about money values) that would have been helpful to know before reading.
I had forgotten how involved in politics and scheming the pope and the church was. It was a very dominant force. Overall the constant litany of political intrigue, war and descriptions of torture as norms of behavior could have been cut back and I would have still gotten a sense of the time and her life. It was very tiresome and I found myself skipping ahead at times.
Joanna may have been an ambitious and strong minded woman but she was still a creature of that time.
Today we may have progressed somewhat as egregious behavior is more often reported and condemned if not stopped, whereas in Joanna's time it was normal behavior but all those elements are still part of human nature. That was depressing to contemplate.
May 28, 2017
Engagingly written tale of drama and intrigue-- keep your finger in the family tree at the front of the book to help keep everyone straight (since they all have the same name).
July 28, 2023
Joanna's story is really interesting and compelling and she seems like such an interesting woman! She should definitely be remembered today more than she is.
I like Nancy Goldstone's writing, it's clear and effective. Although similar to the last book I read of hers, there were a couple of sections that were confusing because of the wording or lack thereof.
I had the misfortune of reading the extremely graphic descriptions of torture(one of them being of a pregnant woman) while eating and I almost had to put down the book and stop eating. The writing is unclear on whether or not Sancia was still pregnant leading up to her execution, I assume she miscarried but still you'd think the writing would be more clear on that. And I wish the author had mentioned something about what people of that time thought of the torture of a pregnant woman cause that seems barbaric, even in a time extremely comfortable with violent acts. (BTW I want to make it clear Joanna was not the one ordering the torture of a pregnant woman, Sancia was actually a close friend of hers, it was those trying to find the murderer of Andrew)
And it was kind of unclear on what happened to James of Majorca in the interim between being removed from the presence of the Queen and then suddenly turning up with the Black Prince. Like....I can't believe this man wasn't locked up because he was UNSTABLE. I mean it probably could've been considered an act of war but still.
I think it was Urban VI who called Joanna a Jezebel and this exemplifies something I've noticed recently regarding a lot of the female rulers of this time which is that the easiest way to slander a woman is to call her a whore. (If I'm being honest this still works today.) A woman can't be defined by her brains or in this case, the fact that she successfully ruled her kingdom for over 30 years, just because being a woman in a position of power is inherently threatening, she has to be dragged down and the only way to drag her down is imply she's not "pure". It really demonstrates how women are supposed to take their self-worth from external instead of internal forces.
This time period really exemplifies medieval politics(the author even notes this a couple of times) there are just so many things that are classically medieval and fit into the oxymoron standards of the time.
This book made me sad at the end because of how Joanna's remains were just dumped into the church's well, and she received none of the acclaim that she deserved. And the fact that she is still excommunicated and there's still no monument for her really pisses me off. Like do I have to pull a total medieval move and petition the pope or something?
I like Nancy Goldstone's writing, it's clear and effective. Although similar to the last book I read of hers, there were a couple of sections that were confusing because of the wording or lack thereof.
I had the misfortune of reading the extremely graphic descriptions of torture(one of them being of a pregnant woman) while eating and I almost had to put down the book and stop eating. The writing is unclear on whether or not Sancia was still pregnant leading up to her execution, I assume she miscarried but still you'd think the writing would be more clear on that. And I wish the author had mentioned something about what people of that time thought of the torture of a pregnant woman cause that seems barbaric, even in a time extremely comfortable with violent acts. (BTW I want to make it clear Joanna was not the one ordering the torture of a pregnant woman, Sancia was actually a close friend of hers, it was those trying to find the murderer of Andrew)
And it was kind of unclear on what happened to James of Majorca in the interim between being removed from the presence of the Queen and then suddenly turning up with the Black Prince. Like....I can't believe this man wasn't locked up because he was UNSTABLE. I mean it probably could've been considered an act of war but still.
I think it was Urban VI who called Joanna a Jezebel and this exemplifies something I've noticed recently regarding a lot of the female rulers of this time which is that the easiest way to slander a woman is to call her a whore. (If I'm being honest this still works today.) A woman can't be defined by her brains or in this case, the fact that she successfully ruled her kingdom for over 30 years, just because being a woman in a position of power is inherently threatening, she has to be dragged down and the only way to drag her down is imply she's not "pure". It really demonstrates how women are supposed to take their self-worth from external instead of internal forces.
This time period really exemplifies medieval politics(the author even notes this a couple of times) there are just so many things that are classically medieval and fit into the oxymoron standards of the time.
This book made me sad at the end because of how Joanna's remains were just dumped into the church's well, and she received none of the acclaim that she deserved. And the fact that she is still excommunicated and there's still no monument for her really pisses me off. Like do I have to pull a total medieval move and petition the pope or something?
January 8, 2012
Joana I, rainha de Nápoles, teve uma vida perfeita para um romance histórico. Desde o drama, às traições, aos segredos, às pressões, aos amores, etc. Em modo de exemplos conto que ela teve quatro maridos, muitos abortos, muitas quezílias. Por isso, posso concluir que Nancy Goldstone soube escolher bem a personagem principal, mas.... não aproveitou nada!
Esta obra é semelhante a um trabalho de história sobre a rainha, mas não tem nada a ver com um romance histórico. Aliás, ainda mal me tinha reposto do "documentário" Princesas Incas deparo-me com outro.
O pior de tudo penso que foi a ausência dos diálogos e de descrições. estas últimas, se contarmos, são apresentadas em formas de citações de escritores da época, mas que na minha opinião falham redondamente.
Os diálogos, então, são mesmo inexistentes.
Isto torna tudo muito longo e pesado, em que a história é contada de forma linear e sem qualquer cor ou interesse. A escritora relata e insiste nas datas, o que poderia nos ajudar a seguir o curso da história, mas como ela mistura-as entre elas e com o resto da acção acabamos por ficar baralhados e ter que voltar atrás para perceber onde estamos. A certo ponto acabei por só ler o dia e o mês.
Este ponto é muito negativo, porque tudo é contado na terceira pessoa e há muita alteração e troca de personagens e locais.
Se estão a espera de encontrar algo do género de Philippa Gregory estão muito enganados.
Se estão à procura de fontes para um trabalho escolar sobre o século XV-XVI então este é um livro bom para a bibliografia.
Frases Preferidas:
"Quando existe a menor familiaridade de qualquer espécie com um homem, a desgraça facilmente macula a mais honrada das mulheres." página 134
""Se eu fosse vós, Giotto", comentou num dia de Verão, "parava de pintar, agora que está tanto calor." "E eu também, Senhor", replicou o pintor, "se fosse vós."" página 263
"(...) Dante perguntara uma vez ao pintor, à laia de brincadeira, como "é que os vossos filhos eram tão feios quando as vossas pinturas eram belas". Sem perder tempo a pensar, Giotto respondeu que "pintava à luz do dia, mas procriava na escuridão"". página 263
Esta obra é semelhante a um trabalho de história sobre a rainha, mas não tem nada a ver com um romance histórico. Aliás, ainda mal me tinha reposto do "documentário" Princesas Incas deparo-me com outro.
O pior de tudo penso que foi a ausência dos diálogos e de descrições. estas últimas, se contarmos, são apresentadas em formas de citações de escritores da época, mas que na minha opinião falham redondamente.
Os diálogos, então, são mesmo inexistentes.
Isto torna tudo muito longo e pesado, em que a história é contada de forma linear e sem qualquer cor ou interesse. A escritora relata e insiste nas datas, o que poderia nos ajudar a seguir o curso da história, mas como ela mistura-as entre elas e com o resto da acção acabamos por ficar baralhados e ter que voltar atrás para perceber onde estamos. A certo ponto acabei por só ler o dia e o mês.
Este ponto é muito negativo, porque tudo é contado na terceira pessoa e há muita alteração e troca de personagens e locais.
Se estão a espera de encontrar algo do género de Philippa Gregory estão muito enganados.
Se estão à procura de fontes para um trabalho escolar sobre o século XV-XVI então este é um livro bom para a bibliografia.
Frases Preferidas:
"Quando existe a menor familiaridade de qualquer espécie com um homem, a desgraça facilmente macula a mais honrada das mulheres." página 134
""Se eu fosse vós, Giotto", comentou num dia de Verão, "parava de pintar, agora que está tanto calor." "E eu também, Senhor", replicou o pintor, "se fosse vós."" página 263
"(...) Dante perguntara uma vez ao pintor, à laia de brincadeira, como "é que os vossos filhos eram tão feios quando as vossas pinturas eram belas". Sem perder tempo a pensar, Giotto respondeu que "pintava à luz do dia, mas procriava na escuridão"". página 263
November 24, 2010
This meticulously researched book brings to life one of history's most remarkable, but forgotten women. Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily ruled one of Europe's most prestigious courts for more than 30 years. She was a benevolent ruler who was dedicated to the welfare of her subjects. At the age of 24, she successfully defended herself against charges that she had murdered her husband. But the taint of this accusation always haunted her, and she was ultimately murdered herself. Nancy Goldstone presents a book rich in historical detail, and the reader learns about the intrigue, treachery, compromise, complex relationships, wars, and plagues that were prevalent during the Middle Ages.
December 30, 2016
Well written and really interesting story. Well paced with the right amount of detail.
November 29, 2018
AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 2 Narration 1 Story 2
Please don’t misunderstand, I am aware that a non-fiction and fictional historic accounts will read and feel differently, and while both should serve to provide a sense of ‘what was’, it is the historic non-fiction that should also leave me with more answers than questions about the person or time. Unfortunately, despite the raves I’ve heard about Goldstone’s books, this particular volume was far more erratic and uneven both in terms of information shared and interest generated in that information. And while I am convinced that much of the primary source material here was either difficult or impossible to access (perhaps owing to the fact that this maker of history was female, and long have we been discounted as players in the ‘big games) I was disappointed at the frequent use of quotes about Joanna – from those much later in time, or the ‘she may have” repeated refrains. Sure I understood that the primary sources on which she might have relied were destroyed during World War II, her obvious fascination with her own subject is conveyed more adeptly in the introduction and author's notes than in the book proper, leaving me with far more questions than answers and little information on the whole that I couldn’t have found in another text. To say I was disappointed, or wish that the author would have reversed the style and created a story about Joanna that took FROM history and actual facts, allowing her obvious flair and fascination for this woman lost to history to take front stage and been far more readable and feel less like I’ve had a class put together from post-it notes.
Narration for this book is provided by Christine Lakin and I quite frankly wish that I had read the 300 plus pages rather than listened to fifteen hours of poorly presented accents and a rather dry recitation of words – as the book was challenged in many ways with repetitive phrasing due to the lack of actual evidentiary documentation, and a fascination with using quotes as people from other eras looked back on Joanna’s reign, the narration did not serve to ignite any further understanding in the story, merely muddled waters that were already feeling very clouded and unsure from the start.
I was disappointed and find that my interest in both this author and narrator has taken a direct hit.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 2 Narration 1 Story 2
Please don’t misunderstand, I am aware that a non-fiction and fictional historic accounts will read and feel differently, and while both should serve to provide a sense of ‘what was’, it is the historic non-fiction that should also leave me with more answers than questions about the person or time. Unfortunately, despite the raves I’ve heard about Goldstone’s books, this particular volume was far more erratic and uneven both in terms of information shared and interest generated in that information. And while I am convinced that much of the primary source material here was either difficult or impossible to access (perhaps owing to the fact that this maker of history was female, and long have we been discounted as players in the ‘big games) I was disappointed at the frequent use of quotes about Joanna – from those much later in time, or the ‘she may have” repeated refrains. Sure I understood that the primary sources on which she might have relied were destroyed during World War II, her obvious fascination with her own subject is conveyed more adeptly in the introduction and author's notes than in the book proper, leaving me with far more questions than answers and little information on the whole that I couldn’t have found in another text. To say I was disappointed, or wish that the author would have reversed the style and created a story about Joanna that took FROM history and actual facts, allowing her obvious flair and fascination for this woman lost to history to take front stage and been far more readable and feel less like I’ve had a class put together from post-it notes.
Narration for this book is provided by Christine Lakin and I quite frankly wish that I had read the 300 plus pages rather than listened to fifteen hours of poorly presented accents and a rather dry recitation of words – as the book was challenged in many ways with repetitive phrasing due to the lack of actual evidentiary documentation, and a fascination with using quotes as people from other eras looked back on Joanna’s reign, the narration did not serve to ignite any further understanding in the story, merely muddled waters that were already feeling very clouded and unsure from the start.
I was disappointed and find that my interest in both this author and narrator has taken a direct hit.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 23, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
The riveting history of a beautiful queen, a shocking murder, a papal trial, and a reign as triumphant as any in the Middle Ages.
On March 15, 1348, 22-year-old Joanna I, queen of Naples, stood trial for the murder of her husband before the pope and his court in Avignon.
Determined to defend herself, Joanna won her acquittal against overwhelming odds. Victorious, she returned to Naples and ruled over one of Europe's most prestigious courts for the next three decades - until she herself was killed.
Courageous and determined, Joanna was the only female monarch in her time to rule in her own name. She was widely admired: dedicated to the welfare of her subjects, she reduced crime, built hospitals and churches, and encouraged the licensing of female physicians.
A procession of the most important artists and writers of the time frequented her glittering court. But she never quite escaped the stain of her husband's death, and the turmoil of the times surrounded her - war, plague, and treachery would ultimately be her undoing.
With skill, passion, and impeccable research and detail, Nancy Goldstone brings to life one of history's most remarkable women. The Lady Queen is a captivating portrait of medieval royalty in all its incandescent complexity.
The more biographies I read of the mostly miserable lives of royal women in the Middle Ages, the more it is apparent that it was no blessing being born anywhere near a throne in those times.
Essentially all of these women - queens included, were viewed as mute integers only in the marriage equations and international power struggles.
This was particularly true for this most unfortunate Queen of Naples, Joanna I, who suffered mightily from a series of nightmarish marriages, including one to a husband who beat her regularly and one to a man who was widely viewed as insane even in his own time.
With the sole exception of her last consort, all of the men in her life, including the serial Popes ,treated her with ruthless disregard, in their personal quests for power.
It seems every third paragraph begins, "At this time, Joanna was beset..." which, based on this recounting of events, was completely true as she encountered nothing but one crisis after another during her long rule.
The fact that she is the saddest queen you probably never heard of, and ruled a considerable swath of territory for a very long time, makes it surprising that she is so little known to history.
Perhaps her ignominious end has something to do with how little her name has endured unlike other more well known female sovereigns.
The riveting history of a beautiful queen, a shocking murder, a papal trial, and a reign as triumphant as any in the Middle Ages.
On March 15, 1348, 22-year-old Joanna I, queen of Naples, stood trial for the murder of her husband before the pope and his court in Avignon.
Determined to defend herself, Joanna won her acquittal against overwhelming odds. Victorious, she returned to Naples and ruled over one of Europe's most prestigious courts for the next three decades - until she herself was killed.
Courageous and determined, Joanna was the only female monarch in her time to rule in her own name. She was widely admired: dedicated to the welfare of her subjects, she reduced crime, built hospitals and churches, and encouraged the licensing of female physicians.
A procession of the most important artists and writers of the time frequented her glittering court. But she never quite escaped the stain of her husband's death, and the turmoil of the times surrounded her - war, plague, and treachery would ultimately be her undoing.
With skill, passion, and impeccable research and detail, Nancy Goldstone brings to life one of history's most remarkable women. The Lady Queen is a captivating portrait of medieval royalty in all its incandescent complexity.
The more biographies I read of the mostly miserable lives of royal women in the Middle Ages, the more it is apparent that it was no blessing being born anywhere near a throne in those times.
Essentially all of these women - queens included, were viewed as mute integers only in the marriage equations and international power struggles.
This was particularly true for this most unfortunate Queen of Naples, Joanna I, who suffered mightily from a series of nightmarish marriages, including one to a husband who beat her regularly and one to a man who was widely viewed as insane even in his own time.
With the sole exception of her last consort, all of the men in her life, including the serial Popes ,treated her with ruthless disregard, in their personal quests for power.
It seems every third paragraph begins, "At this time, Joanna was beset..." which, based on this recounting of events, was completely true as she encountered nothing but one crisis after another during her long rule.
The fact that she is the saddest queen you probably never heard of, and ruled a considerable swath of territory for a very long time, makes it surprising that she is so little known to history.
Perhaps her ignominious end has something to do with how little her name has endured unlike other more well known female sovereigns.
August 21, 2023
Joanna was born around 1325 to Charles, Duke of Calabria and Marie of Valois. Her grandfather was Robert the Wise, King of Naples. He appointed her his heir upon the untimely death of her father. Upon Robert's death, Joanna became Queen Joanna I. She married Andrew of Hungary, though she did not seem to care for him much. She controlled all of the finances, and banned him from entering her room without permission. They only met at state functions. There were a lot of conflicts during her reign, which I will not go into detail about here, but it was absolutely filled with drama and intrigue. She wound up marrying three more times after the death of her first husband, Andrew. Her death was a bit shocking to me.
I really enjoy Nancy Goldstone's works, and I also enjoy her social media presence. She does a great job on her research, and I like the way she conveys the facts into an interesting story. She makes these historical figures and their activities somewhat relatable as people, which is another thing that I really like. I hadn't learned much about Joanna I up to this point, so this book was exceptionally valuable to me. If you are unfamiliar with this author, I would strongly suggest checking into her work.
I really enjoy Nancy Goldstone's works, and I also enjoy her social media presence. She does a great job on her research, and I like the way she conveys the facts into an interesting story. She makes these historical figures and their activities somewhat relatable as people, which is another thing that I really like. I hadn't learned much about Joanna I up to this point, so this book was exceptionally valuable to me. If you are unfamiliar with this author, I would strongly suggest checking into her work.
June 14, 2019
I seem to be reading Goldstone's works in the reverse order. This account of Joanna I of Naples is one of her earlier published pieces, therefore her writing seems to be missing a lot of the pithy asides I am used to in her later works (there are only some in this one). It is a solidly written piece, with an interesting hook to get you invested in the focus of the book straight away. I don't know much about this time period in Italian monarchies (and those surrounding them) and I found the interplay between the royal court and the Holy See at Avignon really fascinating. There were times when the focus was lost and Goldstone seemed to be filling the book with engaging although unnecessary tangents. The climax was a shock and the resolution seemed a little too brief to surmise all that the book had covered. A thoroughly well-researched book, and a captivating look at the life and reign of Joanna I of Naples, however it would have been better if the Kindle edition included the images. 4 stars.
July 5, 2023
Having loved my re-read of Four Queens, I read Nancy Goldstone’s next medieval biography. Queen Joanna of Naples ruled for 30 years, two centuries before Elizabeth I and over a far richer country. Alas, she lived in one of the lousiest times to be alive, the 14th century. Between the Black Plague and constant total war (the Popes in exile versus most of Italy, the Hundred Years War between England and France, and enough coups and assassinations to make every day Deathday), Joanna had a lot to contend with. No one wanted her to be Queen, not her first cousin-husband, who was garrotted quite conveniently as he tried to take over, not her second husband-cousin, who beat her, and not her third husband, not a cousin but yet another violent spouse. Once again, Goldstone takes a scant historic record and retrieves a strong hero. Joanna cared a lot about being a good ruler and a good Christian. She was dealt nothing but tragedy, including three dead children. Nevertheless she persisted.
May 3, 2025
I could not put this book down. Joanna of Naples led a fascinating life as a ruling female monarch in medieval Europe at a time where this was unheard of and could lead to civil war. She was nearly dethroned a few times, accused of murdering her first husband but vindicated, and supported the antipope Clement VII during the Great Western Schism, which directly led to her murder by her once heir who she had raised! She was a deeply religious monarch whose religious convictions unfortunately caused her to ignore the political realities of her region. She likely would have survived and held on to her throne had she supported the Italian Pope Urban VI over the Avignon pope, Clement VII. Normally levelheaded in administration, I’m not sure exactly what led her to support the French choice over the Italian one besides religious conviction and her ruling over Provence, and other ties to the French. By the way, there is a fascinating afterword that mentions how the Nazis burned down a villa containing priceless historical records of the reigns of Frederick II and Joanna in 1943, and the reason we still have any documentation of Joanna of Naples, period, is because a Frenchman named Leonard wrote his dissertation on Joanna in 1932 and relied on much of these now extant records! It is a horrific tragedy that so much of history will forever be lost due to war, and the author mentions the war in Afghanistan specifically as so many libraries were burned there at the time she was writing.
Overall a great read on a period I don’t often read about, the later half of the 1300s.
Overall a great read on a period I don’t often read about, the later half of the 1300s.
July 20, 2024
Okay, this is a safe zone, Besties....I've never heard of Queen Joanna.
"But Liz, you have a degree in European History. How have you never-" I DON'T KNOW, OKAY?? I don't know.
Anyways, as someone who has never heard of Queen Joanna, this book was a really great introduction to the Queen and her family as well as a interesting deep-dive into her reign. There were a couple places where I was getting the cast of characters mixed up (please, for the love of GOD, give your child a name other than Louis or Charles. We don't need anymore of them), but most of the time I was able to keep up or at least figure out who we were talking about.
I came away from this book thinking "dang, Joanna was a badass. Good for her". Several husbands (one who died suspiciously), and not ONE of those dudes named King? Girl boss. I love when women stick it to the men. RIP Joanna, you would have loved the Feminist movement.
"But Liz, you have a degree in European History. How have you never-" I DON'T KNOW, OKAY?? I don't know.
Anyways, as someone who has never heard of Queen Joanna, this book was a really great introduction to the Queen and her family as well as a interesting deep-dive into her reign. There were a couple places where I was getting the cast of characters mixed up (please, for the love of GOD, give your child a name other than Louis or Charles. We don't need anymore of them), but most of the time I was able to keep up or at least figure out who we were talking about.
I came away from this book thinking "dang, Joanna was a badass. Good for her". Several husbands (one who died suspiciously), and not ONE of those dudes named King? Girl boss. I love when women stick it to the men. RIP Joanna, you would have loved the Feminist movement.
November 10, 2009
It was a pleasant surprise to receive a hardcover copy of this book, rather than a paperback ARC as for Meltdown Iceland. As the years go by, I buy fewer hardcover books. Even authors I like have a tendency to recycle themes (or worse, plots), acquire protection from editors, or explore other types of stories which are less interesting to me. (Sometimes, I even outgrow them.) This year, I bought exactly two hardcover books when they were new to the shelves. It just doesn't make sense to buy a hardcover when I could buy 3-4 paperbacks for the same price. So I'd forgotten how pleasant it was to be the first person to open a hardcover book. It's weird, the things that make our neurons fire.
As to the substance of the book itself: it's not bad. It casts light on a person and a time/place in European history that have tended to be understudied, at least in literature for the general reader. It's an interesting study of the typical challenges facing sovereigns in medieval Europe, particularly those faced by a female one.
There are a few points where the author speculated about something but then offered no evidence; however, this mostly occurred with things that were not important to what would be called the main thread of the story if this were fiction. There are also a few places that suggested that the manuscript could have benefited from more attention by a copy editor, or less stet. (Obvious typos, confusing sentences, etc.)
The author cited things that were exact quotes, but not much else. (I prefer Alison Weir-style extensive footnoting in my biographies and other historical works.) I really dislike when I can't tell where something came from without playing guess-and-check with secondary sources.
A final interesting thing: I've been doing a lot of reading lately about the attempts to preserve art and architecture during World War II. One of the things that was not preserved was the Angevin register (the output of the chancery from 1265-1435). Along with all of the other documents of the State Archive of Naples that were judged the most valuable, it was set afire by German troops in 1943. I'm not surprised I hadn't read about this - the books I've been reading tend to focus on visual arts and successes. Nonetheless: depressing. I almost gave this four stars for the difficulty in creating a biography without this source.
As to the substance of the book itself: it's not bad. It casts light on a person and a time/place in European history that have tended to be understudied, at least in literature for the general reader. It's an interesting study of the typical challenges facing sovereigns in medieval Europe, particularly those faced by a female one.
There are a few points where the author speculated about something but then offered no evidence; however, this mostly occurred with things that were not important to what would be called the main thread of the story if this were fiction. There are also a few places that suggested that the manuscript could have benefited from more attention by a copy editor, or less stet. (Obvious typos, confusing sentences, etc.)
The author cited things that were exact quotes, but not much else. (I prefer Alison Weir-style extensive footnoting in my biographies and other historical works.) I really dislike when I can't tell where something came from without playing guess-and-check with secondary sources.
A final interesting thing: I've been doing a lot of reading lately about the attempts to preserve art and architecture during World War II. One of the things that was not preserved was the Angevin register (the output of the chancery from 1265-1435). Along with all of the other documents of the State Archive of Naples that were judged the most valuable, it was set afire by German troops in 1943. I'm not surprised I hadn't read about this - the books I've been reading tend to focus on visual arts and successes. Nonetheless: depressing. I almost gave this four stars for the difficulty in creating a biography without this source.
October 14, 2012
I hate when I don't create a review right after I've read a book . . . I forget specifics and my thoughts are all over the place. I will try to coherently critique . . .
I was baffled in the beginning by all of the names and thought going into some of the players backgrounds a little too much and unnecessary. Nevertheless, once I got past the first couple of chapters, I found this book an easy to follow read.
Joanna's life was chaotic and very unstable. I sympathized with her, because no matter what she did, the fact that she was a woman put her in a vulnerable position. I'm actually surprised she ruled for as long as she did. So many "what-if's".
One last thought, most of the history books I have read have France at a disadvantage. They're always at the losing end of a battle - how is it they remained a powerhouse as long as they did?!
I was baffled in the beginning by all of the names and thought going into some of the players backgrounds a little too much and unnecessary. Nevertheless, once I got past the first couple of chapters, I found this book an easy to follow read.
Joanna's life was chaotic and very unstable. I sympathized with her, because no matter what she did, the fact that she was a woman put her in a vulnerable position. I'm actually surprised she ruled for as long as she did. So many "what-if's".
One last thought, most of the history books I have read have France at a disadvantage. They're always at the losing end of a battle - how is it they remained a powerhouse as long as they did?!
April 6, 2020
Yet another fascinating biography from Nancy Goldstone that leaves me wondering why the subject's story has never been told before. Why are there a million biographies of that fat fuck Henry VIII and his six wives, but I've only ever seen one about the intriguing and dangerous life of Joanna I of Naples?
The answer, obviously, is a)patriarchy and b)Anglocentrism, but that's not satisfactory, so I shall continue to rage.
There is a thing I notice as I continue to read women's biographies; discovering one incredible woman invariably leads me to learn about a dozen others, all hidden from history. These are women who wouldn't appear in other histories of the time (Joanna's sister Maria, grandmother Sancia, Elizabeth of Hungary, Elizabeth of Poland, Agnes of Perigord, even Phillippa). But they put lie to common perceptions of what women's lives were like. They were political players, they were influential, they did wield power. And they are fascinating.
Joanna is mostly known for the murder of her husband, the trial for which took place during the plague (she's popped up in a few plague books I've read lately, which is why I picked this one up). A full biography of her shows much more; her struggle to hold onto power early in her reign, the dizzying betrayals of the royal court of Naples, near escapes and murders, her delicately maintained relationship with the papacy, and her essential role in the origins of the Great Schism. Nancy Goldstone's writing is both thorough and entertaining, and she helpfully provides multiple family trees to keep track of all the dicks named Louis who tried to take Naples at various times in Joanna's reign.
Highly recommend. It's more political than The Rival Queens: Catherine de' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal that Ignited a Kingdom, with fewer physical adventures, but it's still a thoroughly entertaining read that shines a light on a wrongfully forgotten queen and her place in history.
The answer, obviously, is a)patriarchy and b)Anglocentrism, but that's not satisfactory, so I shall continue to rage.
There is a thing I notice as I continue to read women's biographies; discovering one incredible woman invariably leads me to learn about a dozen others, all hidden from history. These are women who wouldn't appear in other histories of the time (Joanna's sister Maria, grandmother Sancia, Elizabeth of Hungary, Elizabeth of Poland, Agnes of Perigord, even Phillippa). But they put lie to common perceptions of what women's lives were like. They were political players, they were influential, they did wield power. And they are fascinating.
Joanna is mostly known for the murder of her husband, the trial for which took place during the plague (she's popped up in a few plague books I've read lately, which is why I picked this one up). A full biography of her shows much more; her struggle to hold onto power early in her reign, the dizzying betrayals of the royal court of Naples, near escapes and murders, her delicately maintained relationship with the papacy, and her essential role in the origins of the Great Schism. Nancy Goldstone's writing is both thorough and entertaining, and she helpfully provides multiple family trees to keep track of all the dicks named Louis who tried to take Naples at various times in Joanna's reign.
Highly recommend. It's more political than The Rival Queens: Catherine de' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal that Ignited a Kingdom, with fewer physical adventures, but it's still a thoroughly entertaining read that shines a light on a wrongfully forgotten queen and her place in history.
October 2, 2011
A challenging and informative read. I have not read much about European historical aristocracy since Tudor England is my favorite so this was a challenge. Also, it is just prior to the Renaissance, mid 1300s, another period of history I am unfamiliar with. Once I got the rhythm of the history going it picked up its pace and details flowed more smoothly. I was astounded how much influence the early Catholic Church had on the world stage and how little control monarchs actually had and could understand perfectly why Henry VIII decided to break with the Church. I am also amazed at people's quest for power and property and the extremes they would go to to achieve their end result. It was most interesting to see how the European map has been drawn and redrawn over the centuries as countries were absorbed into other countries and then redefined again. Joanna I was a woman ahead of her time and it is unfortunate that historians have not given her more accolades. I am reminded that the majority of history has been recorded by men for men. I am also reminded that women, while we have come a long, long way, we have so much further to go to get our due in the annals of history. Kudos to the author for her extensive research and for making it readable. It is unfortunate there is no statute or tribute to Queen Joanna. I am now most interested in traveling to Italy and exploring its history in greater detail.
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