Overview

The story of Joanna – princess, pioneer, captive and queen – and of the wider twelfth-century world that she inhabited. Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are two of the most recognisable figures of the Middle Ages, and almost certainly the best-known couple. The lives of their sons have been examined in detail many times, but their daughters are barely known despite the influence they exerted on the world around them. Joanna, the youngest daughter, led an extraordinary life full of travel, adventure, danger and controversy. Her story is told here in full for the first time. AUTHOR: Dr Catherine Hanley holds a PhD in Medieval Studies (Sheffield, 2001), is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and is the author of historical works in several genres. Her scholarly writing includes a monograph based on her PhD thesis and academic journal articles in the UK, US and France, as well as contributions to the Oxford Encyclopaedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology. She has written seven books of popular history: three for Yale University Press, two for The History Press and one each for Osprey and Pen & Sword. 30 colour illustrations

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9781837052653

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Reviews

‘Step forward, Joanna Plantagenet! … This is an engaging, exciting and hugely enjoyable book that cleverly brings to light the multiplicity of challenges, restrictions and opportunities that faced royal women in the medieval period, moments without power but also, with careful judgement, occasions to exert power.’ -- Jonathan Phillips, author of <i>The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin</i> ‘With impeccable research and a solid understanding of the period, Catherine Hanley presents an educational, absorbing and accessible narrative full of historical detail, always keeping the women at the forefront of the story. Superb.’ -- Annie Whitehead, author of <i>Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England</i> ‘Hanley weaves a gripping tale of a little-known English princess who led an extraordinary life. Joanna's tale is one of drama, and Hanley expertly brings her to the forefront, trying to find Joanna's own thoughts and agency in a life directed by the men around her.’ -- Gemma Hollman, author of <i>The Queen and the Mistress</i> ‘... brings the medieval world vividly to life, recreating the always fascinating and sometimes dangerous world in which Joanna moved.’ ‘Lionessheart benefits from the author's far-reaching research, aided by Hanley's clear affection and expertise for the period.’ * <i>All About History</i> *

Author Information

Dr CATHERINE HANLEY holds a PhD in Medieval Studies (Sheffield, 2001), is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and is the author of historical works in several genres. Her scholarly writing includes a monograph based on her PhD thesis and academic journal articles in the UK, US and France, as well as contributions to the Oxford Encyclopaedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology. She has written seven books of popular history: three for Yale University Press, two for The History Press and one each for Osprey and Pen & Sword.

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