Promotional Information

PAPERBACK ORIGINAL Four beautiful sisters whose brilliant marriages made them queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily.

About the Author

Nancy Goldstone has co-authored a life of 13th-century scientist Roger Bacon and a biography of the 16th-century theologian Servetus.

Reviews

This highly readable book is set against the bloody and turbulent backdrop of medieval Europe...a fascinating account - CATHOLIC HERALDA gripping narrative -- the author is particularly good on the theatricality of the age - GOOD BOOK GUIDE

Bibliophile and novelist Goldstone (coauthor, The Friar and the Cipher) has spent much of the last decade writing books with her husband, Lawrence Goldstone. Their shared output revolves mainly around their experiences as collectors of rare books and manuscripts. Goldstone has chosen a new direction for her first solo title in almost ten years. She takes us back to the 13th century with an interesting and entertaining treatment of the four daughters of the count and countess of Provence-Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia, and Beatrice-whose marriages resulted in their becoming queens of France, England, Germany, and Sicily, respectively. There are not many modern biographies of the sisters; Beatrice and Sanchia in particular have received very short shrift, which makes a title that presents their stories intertwined all the more absorbing. While this work is more riveting narrative than scholarly history, Goldstone does draw heavily on modern publications of primary sources, including period correspondence and the work of well-known chroniclers of the age, such as Matthew Paris and Jean de Joinville. Recommended for academic and public libraries wishing to expand their women's history holdings.-Tessa L.H. Minchew, Georgia Perimeter Coll., Clarkston Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.