An age of triumphs, heartbreak and succession crises. Meet the remarkable women who helped shape France between 1483 and 1610. Read the rest on Substack →
Who’s Included in the Women who Shaped 16th Century France Read More »
Step back in time to the life of Antoinette de Maignelais (1434?–1474) to read a tale of love and intrigue. She was mistress of Duke François II of Brittany (1461-1474). A little-known figure otherwise, her importance lies in her role as the the duke’s favorite and mistress. Their illicit (to our eyes) affair left an
A Tale of Love and Intrigue in Medieval Brittany Read More »
In the tapestry of the French Renaissance, the figure of Anne Malet de Graville stands out as an literary icon of renaissance intellect and literary creativity. Born into the prestigious Norman Malet de Graville family around 1490, Anne’s literary contribution to this a period of the flourishing literary world of her time is now receiving
Renaissance Literary Icon Anne Malet de Graville Read More »
On 27 March 1615, the notorious Reine Margot, Queen of Navarre, much vilified first wife of the great King Henry IV of France, died. At the time of her death, she was the last member of the royal Valois line that had ruled in France since 1328. A Bright, Clever Child Born on 14 May
The Notorious Reine Margot Queen of Navarre Read More »
The 16th century in France saw big changes in intellectual life, culture, religion, and politics, for both women and men. Italian influences brought new ideas in humanism, arts, architecture, and literature. Like men, women writers and thinkers began to explore ideas about the dignity and potential of the individual, reflecting the influence of humanism. At
Women Writers of the French Renaissance Read More »
According to Caroline zum Kolk, “In the long history of the household of the queen of France, the sixteenth century marked a peak: never before or since was its staff so numerous, or was it so deeply involved in life at court.” To give a sense of the size and complexity of the French queens’
The Queens of France’s Households’ in 16th Century Read More »
The Renaissance marriage of Germaine [Germana] de Foix is a perfect example that for centuries, royal women were pawns in power and politics.
Power and Politics in Germaine de Foix’s Marriage Read More »
Discover the real lives behind the characters in ‘The Importance of Wives’. Explore the fascinating true stories that shaped this captivating novel.
The Real Lives Behind ‘The Importance of Wives” Characters Read More »
Follow the blog tour schedule for the May 31 launch of The Importance of Wives by Keira Morgan. It is the first book in her series about Anne of Brittany.
KEIRA’S VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR SCHEDULED EVENTS Read More »
Countess Françoise de Dinan, Breton Heiress and Powerbroker was one of the most sought-after women in 15th Century Brittany. she is best known to history as gouvernante to Duchess Anne of Brittany. She was also highly educated, extremely rich, and a peer in Brittany in her own right. As the sole heir of the great
Françoise de Dinan, Breton Heiress and Powerbroker Read More »
A review of Rozsa Gaston’s Margaret of Austria Introducing Margaret of Austria’s eventful life On to the story itself. After three unfortunate marriages in France, Spain & Savoy, Margaret of Austria comes into her own after 1504, when she is again widowed. Refusing to marry again despite intense pressure from her father, Emperor Maximilian I,
Introducing Margaret of Austria Read More »
In 16th century France, the d’Orléans family emerged from its enforced obscurity to take central stage. It owed its success to several remarkable women and lucky marriage alliances. From navigating political turmoil to promoting cultural and religious reform, the d’Orléans family played a pivotal role in shaping France during this tumultuous period. The kings, and
A Legacy Shaped by Women and Kings Read More »
