What do you think?
Rate this book
Mary of Modena: James II's Dazzling Queen
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 10, 2025
Well-written and just as well-researched. If you're looking for a readable yet comprehensive introduction to Mary of Modena and the reign of James II, this is the right place to start.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 19, 2025
Though I would consider myself somewhat of a history nerd there are inevitably large parts of British history about which I know very little. The short reign of James VII and II, along with its preceding period as heir to the throne and the subsequent years in exile, fall into that category. Even more shadowy is the role of his wife, Mary Beatrice of Modena, of whom I previously knew little but her name and the fact that there was controversy about the birth of her son, James, the future Old Pretender and father of Bonnie Prince Charlie. (At the time the lie was put about the he had been smuggled into her bedchamber in a warming pan, in order to undermine his legitimacy in terms of the future succession.)
This book is not, of course, a biography of James VII and II but of his consort, though he inevitably plays a major role in it. Through Mary Beatrice, Justine Brown sheds fascinating light not only on the Queen herself but on the goings-on around her and the role she was later to play in sustaining and supporting the Jacobite cause abroad — up to and including the first, ill-fated, Jacobite rebellion in 1715.
With so much intrigue surrounding the succession, in which religion was a crucial determining factor, Mary Beatrice was inevitably at the centre of it; as with her husband, her stalwart Catholicism was perceived as problematic by many in a largely Protestant country. With the alternative candidates for the throne being James’s daughters by his first marriage, Mary’s relationship with her stepdaughters (and their own various entanglements with the friends who sought to influence them) becomes increasingly fascinating.
Without knowing more of the period its difficult to say how balanced this book is; its emphasis of Mary Beatrice’s qualities and focus on the the undoubted but possibly understandable shortcomings of ‘the other side’ made a little wary. It’s very unusual that ne side in history is all good and the other all bad and my sketchy knowledge of the period included the impression that James was perhaps rather weaker, and perhaps not as good a monarch, as the author portrays him.
This triviality aside, I found the book fascinating in both its breadth and in its detail, and would thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword Books for an advance copy in return for this honest review.
This book is not, of course, a biography of James VII and II but of his consort, though he inevitably plays a major role in it. Through Mary Beatrice, Justine Brown sheds fascinating light not only on the Queen herself but on the goings-on around her and the role she was later to play in sustaining and supporting the Jacobite cause abroad — up to and including the first, ill-fated, Jacobite rebellion in 1715.
With so much intrigue surrounding the succession, in which religion was a crucial determining factor, Mary Beatrice was inevitably at the centre of it; as with her husband, her stalwart Catholicism was perceived as problematic by many in a largely Protestant country. With the alternative candidates for the throne being James’s daughters by his first marriage, Mary’s relationship with her stepdaughters (and their own various entanglements with the friends who sought to influence them) becomes increasingly fascinating.
Without knowing more of the period its difficult to say how balanced this book is; its emphasis of Mary Beatrice’s qualities and focus on the the undoubted but possibly understandable shortcomings of ‘the other side’ made a little wary. It’s very unusual that ne side in history is all good and the other all bad and my sketchy knowledge of the period included the impression that James was perhaps rather weaker, and perhaps not as good a monarch, as the author portrays him.
This triviality aside, I found the book fascinating in both its breadth and in its detail, and would thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword Books for an advance copy in return for this honest review.
April 18, 2026
Mary of Modena (1658–1718) was far more than a "papist" caricature. Born Mary Beatrice d'Este into the ancient House of Este and the "Mazarinette" clan, she arrived in 1673 to marry the widowed James, Duke of York. Only 15, she became England's sole Italian queen, a target for intense anti-Catholic fervour.
She navigated a brutal Restoration court, enduring James’s persistent philandering while deftly cultivating cultural influence. Mary introduced Italian opera, patronised painters, and used her charisma to win over the common people. Her brother-in-law, King Charles II, was enchanted by her spirit and beauty; he famously championed her when MPs tried to annul the marriage, ensuring the union survived despite the political firestorm. Yet, her life remained defined by the tension between her personal piety—she once longed to be a nun—and her public duty.
Initially, Mary shared a cordial rapport with her stepdaughters, Mary and Anne. However, as the princesses were raised in strict Protestant orthodoxy, political divides grew. The relationship shattered in 1688 with the birth of James and Mary’s son, James Francis Edward. The arrival of a Catholic heir terrified the establishment; her stepdaughters, influenced by the climate, even questioned the baby’s legitimacy.
James and Mary lost five of their seven children in infancy. Following the 1688 "Glorious Revolution," the family was forced into exile. Her stepdaughters were preferred by Parliament solely for their Protestant faith, a choice prioritizing religious security over traditional succession.
In the Stuart court-in-exile, Mary transformed into the formidable "Queen over the Water." Serving as regent, she became the political heartbeat of the Jacobite cause, managing diplomacy to support her son's claim. Despite the betrayal, the crushing reality of exile, and the heartache that it all brought, she never wavered.
Justine Brown’s account strips away the propaganda to reveal a woman whose journey from a spirited Italian princess to a defiant, politically savvy exile is as tragic as it is compelling. Mary of Modena was not a pawn of history; she was its courageous, unwavering survivor.
She navigated a brutal Restoration court, enduring James’s persistent philandering while deftly cultivating cultural influence. Mary introduced Italian opera, patronised painters, and used her charisma to win over the common people. Her brother-in-law, King Charles II, was enchanted by her spirit and beauty; he famously championed her when MPs tried to annul the marriage, ensuring the union survived despite the political firestorm. Yet, her life remained defined by the tension between her personal piety—she once longed to be a nun—and her public duty.
Initially, Mary shared a cordial rapport with her stepdaughters, Mary and Anne. However, as the princesses were raised in strict Protestant orthodoxy, political divides grew. The relationship shattered in 1688 with the birth of James and Mary’s son, James Francis Edward. The arrival of a Catholic heir terrified the establishment; her stepdaughters, influenced by the climate, even questioned the baby’s legitimacy.
James and Mary lost five of their seven children in infancy. Following the 1688 "Glorious Revolution," the family was forced into exile. Her stepdaughters were preferred by Parliament solely for their Protestant faith, a choice prioritizing religious security over traditional succession.
In the Stuart court-in-exile, Mary transformed into the formidable "Queen over the Water." Serving as regent, she became the political heartbeat of the Jacobite cause, managing diplomacy to support her son's claim. Despite the betrayal, the crushing reality of exile, and the heartache that it all brought, she never wavered.
Justine Brown’s account strips away the propaganda to reveal a woman whose journey from a spirited Italian princess to a defiant, politically savvy exile is as tragic as it is compelling. Mary of Modena was not a pawn of history; she was its courageous, unwavering survivor.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Growing up in England, I was taught that James II wasn't one of our better kings and that the 'glorious revolution' was a popular uprising which helped the country. This book has thankfully gone some way to address that. It speaks about his mistakes yes, but it also shows his triumphs as well, and the things he believed in and fought for.
You will not fail to feel Mary's pain, at the anguish her husband went through and the betrayals she felt from her step daughters, princesses she had helped shepherd and loved as her own.
From her early start in Modena, dreaming of becoming a nun, to the Queen Across the Water, an exile who fought passionately for her son's rights but still clung to the hope of a peaceful resolution, this is a book of a powerful woman who believed in her cause.
One of the few downsides to this book is it seems to lack a conclusion. The book ends with Mary's death, which makes sense, but books about historical figures will typically touch on the effect of the person's passing, a look back at their achievements etc etc. This feels as if that chapter is simply missing - someone who doesn't know much about British history will be left unsure as to who eventually kept the throne.
It is still a brilliant re-examination of this oft overlooked Queen, who deserves far more respect and recognition than she is currently given. Well worth a read.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
You will not fail to feel Mary's pain, at the anguish her husband went through and the betrayals she felt from her step daughters, princesses she had helped shepherd and loved as her own.
From her early start in Modena, dreaming of becoming a nun, to the Queen Across the Water, an exile who fought passionately for her son's rights but still clung to the hope of a peaceful resolution, this is a book of a powerful woman who believed in her cause.
One of the few downsides to this book is it seems to lack a conclusion. The book ends with Mary's death, which makes sense, but books about historical figures will typically touch on the effect of the person's passing, a look back at their achievements etc etc. This feels as if that chapter is simply missing - someone who doesn't know much about British history will be left unsure as to who eventually kept the throne.
It is still a brilliant re-examination of this oft overlooked Queen, who deserves far more respect and recognition than she is currently given. Well worth a read.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
December 22, 2025
Justine Brown’s 'Mary of Modena: James II’s Dazzling Queen' is a compelling and illuminating biography that restores Mary Beatrice Isabella d’Este to her rightful place as one of the most fascinating figures of late Stuart England.
The strong narrative brings to life the extraordinary journey of England’s sole Italian queen: from her early aspirations to become a nun to her acceptance of a dynastic marriage, and ultimately to her years as a determined queen consort, regent, and supporter of the Jacobite cause.
Justine Brown’s style is accessible, presenting historical detail with clarity. Her passion for the subject shines through to create a thoughtful and richly detailed account I am happy to recommend.
Tony Riches
The strong narrative brings to life the extraordinary journey of England’s sole Italian queen: from her early aspirations to become a nun to her acceptance of a dynastic marriage, and ultimately to her years as a determined queen consort, regent, and supporter of the Jacobite cause.
Justine Brown’s style is accessible, presenting historical detail with clarity. Her passion for the subject shines through to create a thoughtful and richly detailed account I am happy to recommend.
Tony Riches
April 22, 2026
Mary of Modena tends to get the evil stepmother treatment, having commited the ultimate crime of bearing a son to King James II and pushing his daughters down the line of succession. The later Stuarts and the tensions they provoked through religion are a fascinating area of study that is only beginning to be reexamined. So much of the story gets simplified into anti-Catholic bias and rejection of the divine right of kings but it's more complicated and interesting when you let the people involved be people instead of stock characters.
Brown begins her biography with Mary's parents and their marriage, arranged by the King of France. The strong position of France in Europe and its political alliances are necessary to understanding this era of history. Britain has always been connected to Europe, as much as it can be siloed off in history books; following personal connections back and forth across the Channel clarifies the actions and reactions taken by the governments. She takes great care in setting up Mary's early world and her place in it, explaining why she was considered the appropriate choice to be Britain's next queen. The religious tension points may seem extreme from today's perspective, but they were important lines in their day and to ignore them removes much of the story.
This early focus on background makes the remainder of the book disappointing, as once Mary arrives in England most of these careful examinations disappear into a highlight reel. Time passes with no real sense of growth - Mary never seems to grow up. I recognize that there is little in the way of primary sources, but more effort could have been made establishing Mary's place in the court. She never seems to become part of it, sidelined for other players - but even they only show up for brief moments. The other women in the family, Queen Catherine and Princesses Mary and Anne, only show up occasionally - Brown makes little effort to examine their relationships outside of some broad statements. Most of the overthrow and exile happens off screen, focused on James and their son's efforts to regain the throne. Brown states that Mary as regent is important to the cause but she never shows it - focusing on the highlights of a fascinating life without truly delving into it.
Brown begins her biography with Mary's parents and their marriage, arranged by the King of France. The strong position of France in Europe and its political alliances are necessary to understanding this era of history. Britain has always been connected to Europe, as much as it can be siloed off in history books; following personal connections back and forth across the Channel clarifies the actions and reactions taken by the governments. She takes great care in setting up Mary's early world and her place in it, explaining why she was considered the appropriate choice to be Britain's next queen. The religious tension points may seem extreme from today's perspective, but they were important lines in their day and to ignore them removes much of the story.
This early focus on background makes the remainder of the book disappointing, as once Mary arrives in England most of these careful examinations disappear into a highlight reel. Time passes with no real sense of growth - Mary never seems to grow up. I recognize that there is little in the way of primary sources, but more effort could have been made establishing Mary's place in the court. She never seems to become part of it, sidelined for other players - but even they only show up for brief moments. The other women in the family, Queen Catherine and Princesses Mary and Anne, only show up occasionally - Brown makes little effort to examine their relationships outside of some broad statements. Most of the overthrow and exile happens off screen, focused on James and their son's efforts to regain the throne. Brown states that Mary as regent is important to the cause but she never shows it - focusing on the highlights of a fascinating life without truly delving into it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews