A review by darthsansa
Medieval Royal Mistresses: Mischievous Women Who Slept with Kings and Princes by Julia A Hickey

informative medium-paced

4.0

This entertaining book dishes the goods on medieval English royal mistresses and  endeavors to center the story on the ladies and not their royal paramours. It even includes a couple of male favorites of King Edward II. The book begins, just prior to the Norman Conquest, with Queen Emma and Ælgifu. It concludes just prior to the Tudor Dynasty with Lady Eleanor Talbot Butler, Queen Elizabeth (Woodville), and Jane Shore.

Author Julia A. Hickey highlights the lives of these women in the context of their times and provides commentary on the contemporary attitudes toward women and how it affected each woman’s life. While the book is well researched, it is not overly in depth or complicated. It is perfect for someone with little prior knowledge of these ladies and who wants to know more.

Admittedly, the information known about many of the women is often sparse and there is some supposition involved. For me, that did not detract from the book. It just further highlights the plight of women during this period in that they were often without advocates and seen as disposable. Some might find the writing occasionally dry, as there is some reciting of facts. However, the curious will likely be delighted with the information, and I definitely fall into the second group. I recommend this for history buffs, especially those that want to learn more about the lives of the women who shaped the history of England.