Forgotten Queens in Medieval and Early Modern Europe: Political Agency, Myth-Making, and Patronage

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Review 'What does it mean to be a "forgotten" medieval or early modern queen? Combining historical, literary, and material culture scholarship, these essays offer a counterargument to the long-held assumption that just because contemporary and modern sources do not explicitly discuss a queen, that means she did nothing. These "forgotten" queens commissioned influential portraits, acted behind the scenes in religious, political, and diplomatic conflicts, and were visible patrons of arts and literature, and this collection particularly shines in its disciplinary scope, illustrating the myriad ways in which queens could exercise power.' Kavita Mudan Finn, Simmons College, USA About the Author Valerie Schutte earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Akron. She is author of Mary I and the Art of Book Dedications: Royal Women, Power, and Persuasion and has edited several collections on early modern kings and queens. Estelle Paranque is a Lecturer in Early Modern History at the New College of the Humanities and author of Elizabeth I of England Through Valois Eyes: Power, Representation, and Diplomacy in the Reign of the Queen (1558-1588).