EBOOK
About
This book, Lives of Reigning and Consort Queens of England: England's History through the Eyes of its Queens, is a factual narrative on lives of Norman, Plantagenet, Tudor, Stuart, Hanover, and Windsor queens covering a millennium of English History.
The biographical portraits start at the close of the Dark Ages with the Norman Conquest of 1066, and continue to Modern Time in the life of present Queen Elizabeth II.
This narrative of fifty short chronological biographies gives a view into life and courtly customs from an age far removed from the present toward the way of life we know today. Through the lives of these women, one sees England's history unroll. Although the narratives are brief, they bring individuals to life without judgmental prejudice as unique personalities.
One of the fifty personalities, 7 were reigning queens, 38 were queen consort wives of monarchs, and 5 were wives of favorites who did not reign, but who played a significant role during the life of a ruling king.
This sample of women on the throne, or close to the throne is too large to expect any single quality can characterize them all:
Some served as exemplary reigning queens, or as consorts whom actively supported a sovereign husband or son. Some assertively played the part of regent as a significant power behind the throne.
Some influenced historic events for religious reasons. Many avoided political involvement, but had great influence on culture and custom. Some had personal qualities that made them inherently interesting and deserving of friendship.
A relatively small number of the queens were entirely unsuited to be queens. Some queen consorts resisted familiarity and remain enigmatic effigies.
Some were pawns manipulated by historic events of the time and deprived them of opportunity to leave a personal mark of history.
Others served chiefly as supportive mothers and wives.
The biographical portraits start at the close of the Dark Ages with the Norman Conquest of 1066, and continue to Modern Time in the life of present Queen Elizabeth II.
This narrative of fifty short chronological biographies gives a view into life and courtly customs from an age far removed from the present toward the way of life we know today. Through the lives of these women, one sees England's history unroll. Although the narratives are brief, they bring individuals to life without judgmental prejudice as unique personalities.
One of the fifty personalities, 7 were reigning queens, 38 were queen consort wives of monarchs, and 5 were wives of favorites who did not reign, but who played a significant role during the life of a ruling king.
This sample of women on the throne, or close to the throne is too large to expect any single quality can characterize them all:
Some served as exemplary reigning queens, or as consorts whom actively supported a sovereign husband or son. Some assertively played the part of regent as a significant power behind the throne.
Some influenced historic events for religious reasons. Many avoided political involvement, but had great influence on culture and custom. Some had personal qualities that made them inherently interesting and deserving of friendship.
A relatively small number of the queens were entirely unsuited to be queens. Some queen consorts resisted familiarity and remain enigmatic effigies.
Some were pawns manipulated by historic events of the time and deprived them of opportunity to leave a personal mark of history.
Others served chiefly as supportive mothers and wives.