Plantagenet Queens and Consorts: Family, Duty and Power

by Steven J Corvi

This book examines the lives and influence of 12 figures, comparing their different approaches to the manipulation and conservation of political power in what is always described as a man’s world. On the contrary, there is strong evidence to suggest that these women had more political impact than those who came after—with the exception of Elizabeth I—right up to the present day. Beginning with Eleanor of Provence, loyal spouse of Henry III, the author follows the thread of Queenship: Philippa of Hainault, Joan of Navarre, Katherine Valois, Elizabeth Woodville, Anne Neville, and others, to Henry VII’s Elizabeth of York. These are not marginal figures. Elizabeth was the daughter, sister, niece, wife, and mother of successive Kings of England. As can be seen from the names, several are ostensibly "outsiders" twice over, as female and foreign. With specially commissioned photographs of locations and close examination of primary sources.

Genres: British Literature, Nonfiction, History, Biography, Medieval, Medieval History

288 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2019

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This study of Plantagenet Queen Consorts promised to be an interesting look at medieval queenship and the impact of certain individuals, and whole it was interesting and flowed well, proving enlightening on earlier queen's, it is not perfect. There were many errors throughout in terms of spelling and formating with some date and family connections confused, many of which is likely the publisher's fault and not the author's. However, the chapter on Elizabeth Woodville is less a study of her own influence and queenship and more a chronological account of the wars of the roses. Furthermore, the chapter on Elizabeth of York feels rushed and merely skims the surface without going into the depth of some of the earlier chapters. Finally, within the conclusion the author squashes in a paragraph on Anne Neville and one on Margaret Beaufort rather than examining these Plantagenet women in their own chapters as perhaps they should have been for their importance. Anne Neville was the Queen who stood by Richard III's side as he took the throne from Edward V, and Margaret Beaufort is by many considered a major power behind Henry VII's throne and is unique in how she managed her fortunes during the wars of the roses. As an introduction to these queen's and the times they lived in the book is good, but as a true in depth study it requires further work and analysis of the later queen's true role and influence.

[Moniek Bloks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Plantagenet dynasty ruled England for over 300 years and in that time there were many influential Queens and consorts behind the throne. Unfortunately, Plantagenet Queens & Consorts does not include every Queen from that time, which seems like a missed opportunity.

The women with their own chapter in the book are; Eleanor of Provence, Isabella of France, Philippa of Hainault, Joan of Kent, Katherine Swynford, Joanna of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville and Elizabeth of York. This means that the missing Queens are: Eleanor of Aquitaine (who is included in the introduction), Margaret of France (the Young Queen), Berengaria of Navarre, Isabella of Angoulême, Eleanor of Castile, Margaret of France, Anne of Bohemia and Isabella of Valois. I am not sure I would have considered Joanna of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville or Elizabeth of York as Plantagenet Queens in the first place. The chosen women seem a little random and seem to be the most “popular” Queens (or consorts since neither Katherine Swynford of Joan of Kent were Queens).

In addition, there seem to be a few spelling errors and some missing punctuation in the book. Overall, I’d say there are better books available, such as England’s Queens by Elizabeth Norton. Plantagenet Queens & Consorts: Family, Duty and Power by Dr Steven J.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't so much a book as it is a published paper. There is little explanation of events for those who aren't familiar with them, and some sentences come off strangely. Events like the deaths of the princes in the tower are presented initially by assuming the reader knows what happened, and that there is debate about it. Chapters conclude abruptly, and sometimes conclude with nonsense sentences a student would use to pad out the length of a paper, such as "Both queens produced successful kings of England." Much of the focus on the women's lives is also just recounting events like battles without detail. Names and places and titles get thrown at the reader without explanation or context.

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the women during this period. I know that history lacks information on the women compared to the men but happy to see that there was a book on them. I found that this book was a more of a very long essay with a thesis comparing all these women to Eleanor of Aquitaine. I wish there was more books written about the women during this period (minus Elizabeth of York and Elizabeth Grey - there are already tons on them).

[Hayley Whoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. A few errors, overall, a great read. :)

[I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview but sometimes difficult to follow, as expected. I like to think I know a lot about British royal history, but I got to know a lot of new things in this book.

[historic_chronicles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers from the shadow left behind by the hugely influential presence of Eleanor of Aquitaine before then concluding with the reign of Elizabeth of York.

For such a long period of time I did expect this book to be longer and did feel that some of the women featured were only scraped off the top in terms of information. Some, however, I did know very little of so I enjoyed finding out more about those women in particular.

Overall, a quick and decent beginner book about the lives of the Plantagenet Queens.