The Queen and the Mistress: The Women of Edward III

Author:   Gemma Hollman
Publisher:   The History Press Ltd
Edition:   New edition
ISBN:  

9781837051571


Publication Date:   26 February 2026
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

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The Queen and the Mistress: The Women of Edward III


Overview

The first biography to look at the two most important women in Edward III's life, their power and influence on the court and country. IN A WORLD WHERE MAN IS KING, CAN WOMEN REALLY HAVE IT ALL – AND KEEP IT? Philippa of Hainault was Queen of England for forty-one years. Her marriage to Edward III, when they were both teenagers, was more political transaction than romantic wedding, but it would turn into a partnership of deep affection. The mother of twelve children, she was the perfect medieval queen: pious, unpolitical and fiercely loyal to both her king and adopted country. Alice Perrers entered court as a young widow and would soon catch the eye of an ageing king whose wife was dying. Born to a family of London goldsmiths, this charismatic and highly intelligent woman would use her position as the king's favourite to build up her own portfolio of land, wealth and prestige, only to see it all come crashing down as Edward himself neared death. The Queen and the Mistress is a story of female power and passion, and how two very different women used their skills and charms to navigate a tumultuous royal court – and win the heart of the same man. AUTHOR: Gemma Hollman has a Masters degree in Medieval History from the University of York. She runs Just History Posts blog and Twitter account (1,400 followers). Her first book, Royal Witches, was published by The History Press in October 2019 and sold US rights in record time. She lives in Hertfordshire. 8 b/w illustrations

Full Product Details

Author:   Gemma Hollman
Publisher:   The History Press Ltd
Imprint:   The History Press Ltd
Edition:   New edition
ISBN:  

9781837051571


ISBN 10:   1837051577
Publication Date:   26 February 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Title Copyright Contents Acknowledgements Genealogical Tables Introduction 1 The Count’s Daughter 2 Becoming Queen 3 A Growing Family 4 Love and War 5 The End of an Era 6 Making a Mistress 7 The King’s Lover 8 Danger at Court 9 Downfall of a Lady Conclusion: The Queen and the Mistress Notes Bibliography

Reviews

‘A new and exciting take on medieval history.’ * <i>The Lady</i> * ‘Hollman combines scrupulous research with spellbinding storytelling; The Queen and the Mistress will keep you turning the pages.’ -- Sylvia Barbara Soberton, author of <i>Ladies-In-Waiting: The Women Who Served Anne Boleyn</i> ‘A must-read for anyone interested in medieval women’s or royal history.’ -- Catherine Hanley, author of <i>Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior</i> ‘In The Queen and the Mistress, Gemma Hollman challenges much of the misinformation and misconceptions which have surrounded both women for centuries ... A triumph of historical research and interpretation.’ -- Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of <i>Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England</i> ‘The Queen and the Mistress is an absorbing and masterful historical work, which you might not even notice because it is also incredibly fun. Hollman writes with obvious joy and sensitivity towards her subjects, bringing these complex women and their world to glorious life. I couldn’t put it down.’ -- Eleanor Janega, <i>Going Medieval</i> podcast


‘A new and exciting take on medieval history.’ * <i>The Lady</i> * ‘Hollman combines scrupulous research with spellbinding storytelling; The Queen and the Mistress will keep you turning the pages.’ -- Sylvia Barbara Soberton, author of <i>Ladies-In-Waiting: The Women Who Served Anne Boleyn</i> ‘A must-read for anyone interested in medieval women’s or royal history.’ -- Catherine Hanley, author of <i>Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior</i> ‘In The Queen and the Mistress, Gemma Hollman challenges much of the misinformation and misconceptions which have surrounded both women for centuries ... A triumph of historical research and interpretation.’ -- Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of <i>Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England</i> The Queen and the Mistress is an absorbing and masterful historical work, which you might not even notice because it is also incredibly fun. Hollman writes with obvious joy and sensitivity towards her subjects, bringing these complex women and their world to glorious life. I couldn’t put it down.’ -- Eleanor Janega, <i>Going Medieval</i> podcast


Author Information

GEMMA HOLLMAN has a Masters degree in Medieval History from the University of York. She runs Just History Posts blog and Twitter account (1,400 followers). Her first book, Royal Witches, was published by The History Press in October 2019 and sold US rights in record time. She lives in Hertfordshire.

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Latest Reading Guide

MRG 26 2

 

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