The Lady Queen
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15
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From inside book jacket: Amid intrigue, betrayal, and conspiracy, Joanna I ... became the only female monarch of her day to rule in her own name, and one of the most courageous women in history. Married ... at the age of seven to her 6 year old Hungarian cousin, Joanna saw her ... world shattered 12 years later by the brutal assassination of her husband. Accused of the murder by her powerful in-laws, Joanna was forced to flee her kingdom and stand trial for her life before the papal court at Avignon ... The account of how, despite her youth and sex, she triumphed over her enemies, raised an army, and took back her realm makes for one of the most compelling sagas of any age. Joanna went on to rule for a further 30 years, weathering war, plague, and treason to become one of the powerful and influential leaders in Italy ... Her reign rivaled Elizabeth I in power and scope -- until the violence and treachery of the medieval world ultimately betrayed her.
Reviews with the most likes.
Joanna of Naples had one of the most interesting reigns of the Medieval world, however, most of the world does not remember her for the prosperity and calm that she brought to her realm. She is mainly remembered for the trial that she underwent for the murder of her husband. Although she was cleared of this murder, the stain hung on her character through the centuries. Most people look past what she was able to accomplish for the Kingdom of Naples, and focus on the one issue, but she was much more than that.
Happiness was never meant to be for Joanna. She was raised by her grandparents after the death of her parents. She became the heir of her grandfather, much to consternation of the nobles and the disappointment of the kingdom of Hungary. Throughout her entire reign, and especially after the death of her husband, of Hungarian origin, the threats became more apparent and proved watching.
Joanna was a huge patron of the arts, and she deeply cared for the welfare of the people living within her kingdom. Under her rule, the poorer people were taken care of. Hospitals were built, food was available, and the people were able to regain the prosperity which had been abundant under her grandfathers rule.
This book was a great read and brought to the forefront a lot of the history on Joanna that we do not normally hear. I would recommend this read out.
