This is the first modern scholarly biography of Blanche of Castile, whose identity has until now been subsumed in that of her son, the saintly Louis IX. A central figure in the politics of medieval Europe, Blanche was a sophisticated patron of religion and culture. Through Lindy Grant's engaging account, based on a close analysis of Blanche's household accounts and of the social and religious networks on which her power and agency depended, Blanche is revealed as a vibrant and intellectually questioning personality.

About the Author
Lindy Grant is professor of medieval history, University of Reading, and was previously medieval curator at the Courtauld Institute, London.

Reviews
"A long-overdue biography of a fascinating woman, but also a valuable contribution to our understanding of medieval queenship, monarchy and power."-Katherine Harvey, TLS

"This is a most welcome book. . . There is no doubt that this is an excellent and much-needed biography of one of the most important rulers of the later Middle Ages."-Justine Firnhaber-Baker, EHR

"The first truly modern book-length study of this remarkable medieval woman. . . it will be very difficult for anyone to replace Grant's compelling portrait of Blanche of Castile as a ruler."-Miriam Shadis, Royal Studies Journal

"Long awaited and magisterial book [. . . ] Grant does justice to her subject and conveys, to an impressive extent, a sense of the lived experience of being Blanche of Castile." -Kathleen Nolan, Reviews in History


"[A] rich biography . . . Highly recommended."-L. W. Marvin, Choice -- L. W. Marvin * Choice *
"A long-overdue biography of a fascinating woman, but also a valuable contribution to our understanding of medieval queenship, monarchy and power."-Katherine Harvey, TLS -- Katherine Harvey * TLS *



Book Information
ISBN 9780300219265
Author Lindy Grant
Format Hardback
Page Count 456
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 1089g