Romance and the Gentry in Late Medieval England

Romance and the Gentry in Late Medieval England
Author: Michael Johnston
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2014-05
Genre: History
ISBN: 0199679789

showing that contrary to the commonly held view that romances are representative of the "popular culture" of their day, in fact such texts appealed primarily to the gentry, England's elite landowners who lacked titles of nobility.

Forgotten Women of the Wars of the Roses

Forgotten Women of the Wars of the Roses
Author: Jo Romero
Publisher: Pen and Sword History
Total Pages: 284
Release: 2024-04-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1399066188

First of its kind, this book showcases relationships between women, as well as their individual efforts and roles during the Wars of the Roses. The Wars of the Roses were fought in England from the mid-fifteenth century, as the supporters of Lancaster and York wrestled over control of the crown. Books have analyzed the politics, battles and motives of its key characters. However, a discussion of women’s roles relating to the conflict is so far missing. Forgotten Women of the Wars of the Roses highlights their involvement, their lives during wartime and the consequences of their actions. Many women lost male relatives to battle, execution and rebellion, suffering emotional and legal consequences as rivals seized lands and livelihood. Despite the uneasy political atmosphere and challenges in marriage and parenting, women maintained the household and supported the family commercially and politically. Forgotten royal women acted as diplomats, negotiators and supporters to both York and Lancaster. Religious women were involved in the conflict and their individual experiences are examined. There is a discussion of women who fought to overcome potentially dangerous circumstances to secure safety and statusand those who directly supported of the war effort. There were organisers writing lists, planning defenses and strategy and quietly supplying husbands with horses, silver and men. Defenders commanded soldiers during a siege, usually at their homes, and took active roles in family feuds. The existence of women rebels at this time is also discussed, as is women’s wider, more subtle contributions and experiences to the security of the monarchy. The book demands acknowledgement of women’s varied roles during the conflict at all levels of society. It draws on primary sources, aspects of their families, their daily lives, homes and fashions, thus presenting them as three dimensional people against the backdrop of the wars.

Arthurian Myths and Alchemy

Arthurian Myths and Alchemy
Author: Jonathan Hughes
Publisher: Sutton Publishing Limited
Total Pages: 376
Release: 2002
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN:

This is a controversial study of the life of one of the most charismatic and neglected late medieval kings. It reveals that Edward was just as complicated as his younger brother Richard III.

Margaret of Anjou

Margaret of Anjou
Author: Helen E. Maurer
Publisher: Boydell Press
Total Pages: 266
Release: 2003
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9781843831044

Margaret of Anjou is the most notorious of English medieval queens. In a man's world, how did she exercise power? By considering the constraints imposed upon Margaret's involvement in political activity by virtue of being a woman, this book sheds light on the convoluted politics of 15th century England.