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The Rival Queens

Catherine de' Medici, her daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom
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( 3,246 ratings, 449 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Rival Queens is an engaging historical biography that delves into the tumultuous relationship between Catherine de' Medici and her daughter, Marguerite de Valois. Set against the backdrop of the Wars of Religion in France, the narrative explores their power struggles, political manoeuvres, and the personal tensions that shaped a pivotal era in European history. Nancy Goldstone provides a compelling exploration of maternal ambition clashing with daughterly defiance amidst the intricacies of 16th-century court politics.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're fascinated by powerful women and historical intrigue, you may enjoy this exploration of Catherine de' Medici and her daughter Marguerite de Valois. Their dynamic relationship amidst the drama of the French court reveals a captivating tale of rivalry, political manoeuvring, and familial ties that shaped European history.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

For fans of Alison Weir and Sarah Gristwood, The Rival Queens is the thrilling history of a terrible betrayal at heart of the lavish Valois court.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A gripping tale of royal feuds and divided kingdoms - AMANDA FOREMAN

Set in Renaissance France at the magnificent court of the Valois kings, The Rival Queens is the history of two remarkable women, a mother and daughter driven into opposition by a terrible betrayal that threatened to destroy the realm.

Catherine de' Medici, the infamous queen mother of France, was a consummate pragmatist and powerbroker who dominated the throne for 30 years. Her youngest daughter, Marguerite, the glamorous 'Queen Margot', was a passionate free spirit, the only adversary whom her mother could neither intimidate nor fully control.

When Catherine forces the Catholic Marguerite to marry her Protestant cousin Henry of Navarre she creates not only savage conflict within France but also a potent rival within her own family. Treacherous court politics, poisonings, international espionage and adultery form the background to a story whose fascinating array of characters include such celebrated figures as Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Nostradamus.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Rival Queens by Nancy Goldstone receives praise for its gripping and well-researched narrative, portraying the tumultuous relationship between Catherine de' Medici and her daughter, Marguerite de Valois. Reviews highlight Goldstone's ability to present historical events with clarity and vividness, likening the book to a thriller due to its compelling storytelling. The author challenges conventional narratives about Catherine, providing a nuanced perspective on her role in French history, making this work both informative and engaging.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780224770

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 June 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 374g

Pages: 448

About the Author

Nancy Goldstone is the author of Four Queens: The Proven al Sisters Who Ruled Europe; Joanna: The Notorious Queen of Naples, Jerusalem and Sicily; The Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc and Yolande of Aragon, The Rival Queens and Daughters of the Winter Queen. She lives in New York.

Visit her website for more information: www.nancygoldstone.com.

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