Queenship in Medieval Europe

By Theresa Earenfight,

Book cover of Queenship in Medieval Europe

Book description

Medieval queens led richly complex lives and were highly visible women active in a man's world. Linked to kings by marriage, family, and property, queens were vital to the institution of monarchy.

In this comprehensive and accessible introduction to the study of queenship, Theresa Earenfight documents the lives and works…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Queenship in Medieval Europe as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

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.

From Elena's list on queens and queenship.

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…

From Sara's list on women in the Middle Ages.

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