This book examines the deep and lengthy crisis of legitimacy triggered by the death of Prince Juan of Castile and Aragon in 1497 and the subsequent ascent of Juana I to the throne in 1504. Confined by historiography and myth to the madwoman's attic, Juana emerges here as a key figure at the heart of a period of tremendous upheaval, reaching its peak in the war of the Comunidades, or comunero uprising of 1520-1522. Gillian Fleming traces the conflicts generated by the ambitions of Juana's father, husband and son, and the controversial marginalisation and imprisonment of Isabel of Castile's legitimate heir. Analysing Juana's problems and strategies, failures and successes, Fleming argues that the period cannot be properly understood without taking into account the long shadow that Juana I cast over her kingdoms and over a crucial period of transition for Spain and Europe.

About the Author
Gillian B. Fleming received her doctorate from the International History Department of the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Reviews
"This monograph offers a refreshing look at a monarch that has long been depicted as 'the mad queen' within the literature and popular imaginary, while also demonstrating that popular depictions often ignore Juana's own attitudes towards her kingdom and her place in such. ... Fleming's study captures the significance of Juana's career and its legacy while also illustrating how women, particularly the women of the House of Trastamara-Habsburg, influenced the character of the emerging Kingdom of Spain." (Jessica L. Minieri, Royal Studies Journal, Vol. 7 (2), 2020)
"This well-crafted study is a must-read for any scholar interested in Spanish and European political history, power, the monarchy, queenship, gender, and disability studies." (Nuria Silleras-Fernandez, Early Modern Women Journal, Vol. 14 (2), 2020)
"An excellent scholarly biography of Queen Juana I, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella. ... Fleming examines Juana's political significance as Queen of Castile and places her within the context of sixteenth century attitudes toward female rule in the Iberian peninsula and beyond. ... Well written, well researched and interesting to read. Highly recommended." (Carolyn Harris, royalhistorian.com, June, 2018)



Book Information
ISBN 9783319743462
Author Gillian B. Fleming
Format Hardback
Page Count 356
Imprint Springer International Publishing AG
Publisher Springer International Publishing AG