Queenship in Medieval Europe

Theresa Earenfight is a renowned queenship scholar whose ideas about queens and queenship inspired me when I was a graduate student and continue to excite me today. This is a book that I recommend to my own students as the perfect place to start with medieval queenship. Earenfight’s book moves chronologically across the Middle Ages, drawing together examples of queens from all across Europe to illustrate key ideas about queenship and demonstrate how different women exercised the queen’s office. An engaging read which is underpinned by years of research and deep expertise in the field.

Those who enjoy McDougall’s Royal Bastards will also want to pick up Earenfight’s highly accessible masterpiece. Meghan Markle’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey saw her refer to the royal family as “The Firm,” drawing attention to the fact that the royal family is not just a family, it is in fact a highly structured, tight-knit, business-like operation. In many respects, this approach to the crown is nothing new. Despite histories that single out kings for their successful reigns, the monarchy has never been a one-man (or woman) show.

Earenfight’s book rejects the vision of the royal consort as mere “arm… show more.