Author: Kathryn Warner
Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography
Publisher: Pen & Sword History
Release Date: 2023
Pages: 310
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Edward III may be known for his restoration of English kingly authority after the disastrous and mysterious fall of his father, Edward II, and eventual demise of his mother, Queen Isabella. It was Edward III who arguably put England on the map as a military might. This show of power and strength was not simply through developments in government, success in warfare or the establishment of the Order of the Garter, which fused ideals of chivalry and national identity to form camaraderie between king and peerage. The expansion of England as a formidable European powerhouse was also achieved through the traditional lines of political marriages, particularly those of the king of England’s own granddaughters. This is a joint biography of nine of those women who lived between 1355 and 1440, and their dramatic, turbulent lives. One was queen of Portugal and was the mother of the Illustrious Generation; one married into the family of her parents' deadly enemies and became queen of Castile; one became pregnant by the king of England's half-brother while married to someone else, and her third husband was imprisoned for marrying her without permission; one was widowed at about 24 when her husband was summarily beheaded by a mob, and some years later bore an illegitimate daughter to an earl; one saw her marriage annulled so that her husband could marry a Bohemian lady-in-waiting; one was born illegitimate, had sixteen children, and was the grandmother of two kings of England.
My Review: The story of King Edward III of England’s granddaughters tells a tale of power and ambition. Through their political marriages, these granddaughters helped make England a strong and formidable country. This biography tells the story of King Edward III’s nine out of eleven granddaughters. These women led scandalous lives. This story shines light on forgotten royal women.
Before reading this book, I had never heard of these women before. Therefore, I was intrigued by them. One of my favorites of King Edward III’s granddaughters was Phillippa of Lancaster, who became Queen of Portugal. She gave birth to two famous sons. They were Henry the Navigator and Edward, who became known as the Philosopher King. Another of my favorites was her sister, Catalina. She became queen consort and regent of Castile. Philippa of Clarence was also another favorite of mine. This was because she was the ancestress of the House of York. Therefore, I found each of these royal women fascinating!
Overall, it was a very informative and comprehensive biography of King Edward III’s granddaughters. It also focuses on the impact each of these princesses made in European history. I found the biography to be disjointed and disorganized. It would have been better had it been narrowly focused on each woman. I think that it should have been broken up into two books. Instead, I found that I received a short summary of each woman and was not as in depth as I would like. Nevertheless, it opened my eyes to these royal women I knew nothing about! Still, this book is a must read for fans of English royalty! I recommend this book for fans of Katherine Swinford, Daughters of Chivalry, and Plantagenet Princesses!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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