Women of Power: The Life and Times of Catherine de Medici

by Mark Strage

Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich; 1st edition (1976) Language: English ISBN-10: 0151983704 ISBN-13: 978-0151983704 Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches Shipping Weight:... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151983704
• ISBN13: 9780151983704
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Highly Readable

This book accomplishes what few historical biographies do: it's readable, like a novel. The title is somewhat of a misnomer as the book really focuses on three women from 16th century France: Catherine de'Medici (wife of Francis I and mother of Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III), Diane de Poitiers (mistress of Francis I), and Marguerite of Valois, a/k/a Queen Margot (daughter of Catherine de'Medici and wife of Henry Navarre who later became Henry IV). The book is an examination of how these three women exercised control over Renaissance France during the turbulent times of the Catholic-Huegonot wars and the weak rule of the sons of Catherine de'Medici and Francis I. This is both a study of behind-the-scenes political power and ambition and a history of France in the 16th century. Strage takes a modern and sympathetic look at the acts and motives of Catherine de'Medici, in particular, coming to the conclusion that rather than being the most evil woman of her time, as many historians assert, she was an astute and able politician looking primarily to preserve the Valois line and keep the kingdom in the hands of her sons. Strage's arguments are not wholly convincing, largely because he does the reader the favor of presenting the countervailing arguments and evidence and letting the reader make up his or her own mind. This is, in short, a light and easy read that gives an excellent, broad overview of 16th century France in the context of what was happening elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Spain, where the Spanish king and Holy Roman Emperor, Philip II, saw the political division between the French monarchy and the powerful Guise family, as well as the religious division between the Catholics and the Huegonots, as an opportunity to cement his power and potentially rule all of western continental Europe. An excellent book for all except those who already have a strong working knowledge of the history covered.

Lively people, lively events, lively story

This is not only the story of Catherine, it's also about her daughter Marguerite, the Queen of Navarre, and Catherine's rival, Diane de Poiters, who was her husband's (Henry II) mistress. You can imagine what a tale unfolds here!The story of these three and the times in which they lived is one of those truly amusing side trips the scholar can take while pursuing a path of historical and/or literary interest.The book is illustrated with photographs of paintings and drawings and is written in an entertaining style that brings people, events and locations to life in the imagination. The research is thorough as well. Whether or not you have a particular interest in Italian or French history, you'll find this an entertaining and informative read. Don't miss it if you can help it.

Excellent Biography

Before reading this book, I knew very little about Catherine de Medici and how her reputation as an evil queen came about. Author Strage does an excellent job of explaining young Catherine's life and how she came to be Queen of France. For the first twenty years of her marriage, she lived under the shadow of her husband's mistress Diane de Poitiers and again the author does an excellent job of explaining this strange relationship. After ten years of marriage, Catherine finally begins to bear children and these children will become the key players in the latter half of her life. Three sons will succeed their father as kings while one daughter will marry Henri of Navarre and eventually he will succeed to the kingdom of France. However, the religious wars of the period (between Protestants and Catholics) must first be fought. Catherine has a major part to play in the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre and this infamous act will color all the rest of her life as perceived by future historians.The books is very well written and especially accessible. You do not need to know a lot about the time period to understand all the characters and their motivation. I would recommend this book as good for someone just beginning to review this time in history.

Strage's book on Catherine De' Medici is terrific!

This is the kind of biography that's a joy to read, and I'llhappily read anything Strage has written. He writes with humor andinsight, painting a vivid picture of the people and the times. He knows how to keep things moving along. He includes the fascinating details that illuminate the time (what herbs were used to treat an illness, or exactly how that prisoner was tortured), yet doesn't get bogged down in needless explanation. You don't have to be an expert in 16th century France to enjoy this book.